Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket extravaganza, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is on the cusp of a historic transformation. Starting with Season 11 in 2026, the league will expand from six to eight teams, injecting fresh energy, regional pride, and massive commercial potential into the country’s sporting landscape. Among the frontrunners in this high-stakes race is OZ Group, a diversified conglomerate led by visionary overseas Pakistani entrepreneur Hamza Majeed Chaudhary, which has been officially shortlisted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as one of the technically qualified bidders.
With the franchise auction set for January 8, 2026, at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre, excitement is building across the nation. This expansion isn’t just about adding two more teams—it’s about deepening cricket’s roots in underrepresented regions, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and elevating Pakistan’s global sporting brand.
Why PSL Expansion Matters in 2026
The decision to grow the PSL to eight teams comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistani cricket. Since its launch in 2016, the league has become a powerhouse of talent development, producing stars who shine in international leagues worldwide. The addition of two new franchises will:
- Increase regional representation with potential host cities including Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit
- Attract more foreign players and coaches, raising competitive standards
- Generate new revenue streams through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise
- Stimulate grassroots cricket development in emerging cricketing hubs
- Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in hospitality, security, media, and event management
PSL Season 11 is scheduled from March 26 to May 3, 2026—a compact, high-intensity window designed to maximize global viewership while aligning with the international cricket calendar.
OZ Group Emerges as a Strong Contender
Out of 12 initial bids from local and international investors, only 10 passed the PCB’s rigorous technical evaluation. OZ Group’s successful qualification speaks volumes about its credibility.
The evaluation focused on critical factors:
- Financial strength and sustainability
- Corporate governance and transparency
- Compliance history
- Long-term strategic vision for cricket development
Hamza Majeed Chaudhary, Chairman of OZ Group, expressed pride in the achievement: “Being shortlisted is a powerful validation of our professional standards and commitment to Pakistan’s sporting future. We aim to build a franchise that competes at the highest level while giving back to grassroots cricket and local communities.”
OZ Group has shown particular interest in cities like Faisalabad and Sialkot—both renowned for their passionate fan bases, rich cricketing heritage, and strong sporting goods manufacturing industries. A franchise in either city could create powerful synergies between business, sport, and community development.
Who Is Hamza Majeed Chaudhary? The Man Behind OZ Group’s PSL Bid
An overseas Pakistani with deep ties to both Australia and Pakistan, Hamza Majeed Chaudhary brings a unique blend of international business acumen and genuine passion for cricket.
As Chairman of OZ Group—a conglomerate operating in trading, technology, real estate, and food services across Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE—Chaudhary has built a reputation for innovation, scalability, and ethical governance. Flagship brands like Wise Market have gained strong traction in domestic and global markets.
His involvement in cricket extends beyond business. Chaudhary has previously supported major initiatives, including sponsorship of the World Championship of Legends in the United Kingdom, demonstrating his commitment to elevating the sport globally.
“Cricket unites Pakistan like nothing else,” he says. “Through the PSL, we want to nurture young talent, strengthen fan connections, and ensure the league’s long-term sustainability.”
What the PSL Expansion Means for Fans and Cities
For cricket lovers, two new teams translate to:
- More thrilling matches and rivalries
- Greater access to live PSL action in new venues
- Increased opportunities for local players to break into the big league
- Enhanced fan engagement through city-based identity and loyalty
Cities in the running stand to gain enormously:
- Infrastructure upgrades in stadiums and training facilities
- Tourism boost during match days
- Economic ripple effects in hospitality and retail
- Pride in national representation on a premier platform
The January 8 auction will be a landmark event, with qualified bidders competing for the two new franchises. The winning investors will not only secure valuable sporting assets but also become custodians of regional dreams and national pride.
As Pakistan continues to rebuild its image as a safe and vibrant cricketing destination—having successfully hosted international tours and full PSL seasons at home—the timing couldn’t be better. The expanded league is poised to attract even stronger global interest, from broadcasters to top-tier overseas players.
For entrepreneurs like Hamza Majeed Chaudhary and groups like OZ, this is more than an investment—it’s a chance to blend business success with national passion. As the countdown to the auction begins, one thing is clear: the future of Pakistani cricket in 2026 looks brighter, bolder, and more inclusive than ever.
