KEY POINTS
- Name revives legacy of most successful domestic T20 side in Pakistan’s history.
- Franchise rights were secured by OZ Developers with record Rs 1.85 billion bid in competitive auction.
- Team’s entry marks PSL’s historic expansion to eight teams for its 11th season.
ISLAMABAD: Sialkot franchise owner Kamil Khan has revealed the team’s identity for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), naming it ‘Sialkot Stallions’ for the league’s eleventh season, scheduled from 26 March to 3 May.
In a reveal that delighted cricket fans, Kamil took to the social media platform X to share a dynamic 3D animated video.
The video culminated in the reveal of the team’s name, accompanied by the caption: “You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce SIALKOT STALLIONZ. Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey.”
You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce “SIALKOT STALLIONZ” @PSLStallionz
Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey 🏏
You can also follow us on Instagram “SialkotStallionzPSL” @thePSLt20 @TheRealPCB @MajeedHamz84164 #PSL #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/zX9qNiuhh9— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan) January 21, 2026
Legacy of domestic dominance
The choice of name taps directly into a rich vein of Pakistan’s domestic cricket history.
The original Sialkot Stallions were a powerhouse in the National T20 Cup between 2005 and 2012, clinching the title a remarkable six times.
Their legacy includes a world-record 25-match unbeaten streak, cementing their status as the most successful domestic T20 side in the country’s history.
The franchise was a cradle for cricketing icons who defined an era.
It produced the calm and strategic leadership of Shoaib Malik, the explosive power-hitting of opener Imran Nazir, the dependable all-round skills of Haris Sohail, and the versatility of wicketkeeper-batsman Shakeel Ansar.
Record-breaking bid secures franchise rights
The return of Sialkot to top-tier cricket was secured through a high-stakes auction.
As previously reported, OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, acquired the ownership rights for the PSL’s eighth franchise at a star-studded event at the Jinnah Convention Centre on 8 January.
The bidding process saw intense competition. After the FKS Group secured the first new franchise with an offer of Rs 1.75 billion ($6.25 million), the base price for the second team was set at Rs 1.70 billion.
A fierce bidding war ensued among eight qualified parties, with OZ Developers ultimately emerging victorious with a winning bid of Rs 1.85 billion, naming the franchise after the city of Sialkot.
New era for an expanding PSL
This expansion marks a significant milestone for the PSL. The league’s first expansion came in its third season with the addition of the Multan Sultans, bringing the total to six teams.
The inclusion of two new franchises for PSL 11 now increases the competition to eight teams, promising a longer, more intense tournament schedule from late March to early May.
Cricket analysts suggest the revival of the “Stallions” brand is a strategic masterstroke, instantly connecting the new franchise with a legacy of winning and passionate fan support, while ushering in a new chapter for the ever-growing Pakistan Super League.
