The Pakistan Super League (PSL) expansion process reached a major milestone as the league’s eighth franchise was sold for Rs. 185 crore, with Sialkot officially selected as the team’s home city.
Intense Bidding at PSL Auction
The auction for the new PSL team witnessed fierce competition among eight bidders. The base price for the eighth franchise was set at Rs. 170 crore, but bidding quickly escalated.
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i2c opened the bidding at Rs. 172 crore
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Aim Next countered with Rs. 173 crore
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After a timeout, i2c raised the bid to Rs. 175 crore
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Aim Next responded with Rs. 176 crore
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OZ Group entered aggressively with Rs. 178 crore
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i2c then offered Rs. 180 crore, leading to a brief pause
After the break:
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OZ Group raised the bid to Rs. 181 crore
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i2c responded with Rs. 182 crore
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OZ Group made the final winning bid of Rs. 185 crore
OZ Group Secures Sialkot Franchise
With the highest bid, OZ Group successfully acquired the eighth PSL franchise and chose Sialkot as the team’s city.
This marks a historic moment for the league, as Sialkot becomes a PSL city for the first time, adding to its rich legacy as a hub of sports manufacturing and cricket culture.
PSL 2026 Expansion Takes Shape
With the addition of Sialkot, the PSL 2026 season will feature eight teams, expanding competition, fan engagement, and regional representation across Pakistan.
League officials believe the expansion will:
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Strengthen PSL’s commercial value
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Create new rivalries
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Provide opportunities for local talent
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Boost cricket development in new regions
What This Means for Fans
Cricket fans in Sialkot can now look forward to:
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A home PSL franchise
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Potential matches at local venues
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Increased economic and sporting activity
The successful auction underlines PSL’s growing stature as one of the world’s most valuable T20 leagues.
