LAHORE: Hamza Majid, owner of the newly awarded Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise based in Sialkot, on Wednesday outlined his ambitious vision for the team, stressing long-term development, infrastructure investment, merit-based selection, and international collaboration.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Hamza Majeed revealed that naming the franchise after Sialkot had been his intention from the very first day. “We visited Sialkot and interacted with the local people. The passion for cricket there was overwhelming,” he said, adding that Sialkot’s deep cricketing heritage and identity as the city of Allama Iqbal made the decision even more meaningful.
However, he also expressed concern over the current state of facilities. “The Sialkot Test Centre looked neglected. That further strengthened our resolve to contribute to the city’s cricketing revival. We are aiming to involve sports traders and community there to establish state-of-art stadiums and infrastructure for the youth of Sialkot,” he remarked.
Hamza Majeed confirmed that the franchise is in the final stages of planning and that the team name, branding, and other key details will be announced within the next week. He also disclosed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered the Faisalabad Cricket Stadium as an additional venue option. “Our priority is to establish Sialkot as our home ground, but we are also open to using Faisalabad Stadium. Our goal is to develop Sialkot’s infrastructure while utilizing available venues effectively,” he explained.
Speaking about squad formation, Hamza Majeed said: “Discussions are ongoing regarding player drafts, retention policies, and coordination with existing PSL franchises. This franchise has arrived with a clear business and cricketing plan, focusing equally on performance and sustainability, and we can foresee a bright future of it as well as of Sialkot’s youth.”
The franchise owner revealed that his management is in contact with six to seven Australian cricketers, with plans to sign at least three to four foreign players for the upcoming season. “At the same time, talented cricketers from Sialkot will be given opportunities,” he added. “Our first priority will always be national players. Beyond that, all selections will be strictly on merit. There will be no personal likes or dislikes, only winning matters,” he explained.
Highlighting Pakistan’s street cricket culture, he said the franchise also intends to contribute to the development of tape-ball cricket, which enjoys immense popularity across the country. One of the franchise’s most significant commitments is infrastructure development. “Our very first task is to establish a proper home ground in Sialkot. Within the next ten days, we will begin working at a high-performance centre,” he announced.
Hamza Majeed also pledged to honour legendary cricketers associated with Sialkot, including Zaheer Abbas, acknowledging their contributions to Pakistan cricket. Regarding leadership and coaching, he said both captain and coaching staff will be appointed on merit, with a preference for local professionals, while also benefiting from Australian expertise where required.
“We are planning to do things that have never been done in Pakistan cricket before,” Hamza Majeed said confidently, adding that continuous consultation is underway with PSL management and all stakeholders to ensure transparency and success. “We began this journey with the determination to give our very best, and with the passage of time, our ambition is clear: to build a franchise capable of rising to the very top of the PSL,” he concluded.