The newest franchise in the Pakistan Super League, Team Sialkot, is set to introduce a distinct international flavor to the tournament's eleventh edition. Co-owner Kamil Khan has announced plans to bring an Australian touch to the team's strategy and setup, aiming to differentiate Sialkot from the existing PSL sides.
A Vision for a People's Team with Global Appeal
In a recent interview, Khan outlined his vision, emphasizing that Team Sialkot intends to be more than just a cricket team. "Our team is not gonna be just our team; it’s everyone’s team, it’s the people’s team," he stated. He connected this philosophy to the involvement of the OZ Group, the franchise's owner, which brings an inherent Aussie background to the project. Khan, who also owns the successful Pakistan Champions side, highlighted that the PSL's expansion with two new teams has transformed it from a local tournament into one with genuine international appeal.
Strategic Focus on International Talent and Recruitment
The team's strategy will heavily focus on scouting and acquiring talent from beyond Pakistan's borders. Khan confirmed that their recruitment net is cast wide across the South Asian Pacific region, specifically naming Australia and New Zealand as key markets. "We have got our eyes on a few players, a few coaches and everything," he revealed, hinting at the potential involvement of high-profile overseas names. However, he clarified that all plans are pending formalization in accordance with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) protocols, including the final decision on player acquisition through an auction or a retention system.
Next Steps: Mentor, Coach, and Captain
Looking ahead, Khan indicated that the immediate next steps involve appointing the team's leadership core. "As PCB reveals all the plans and everything, the next step is going to be who we’re gonna get as the mentor, coach and captain," he said. He promised that fans can expect significant announcements in the coming days, building excitement for the upcoming season, which is scheduled for the March–May window.
The franchise rights for Team Sialkot were secured in a competitive bidding process on January 8 at Islamabad's Jinnah Convention Centre. The OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, emerged victorious by offering Rs1.85 billion, outbidding seven other contenders and exceeding the base price of Rs1.70 billion set for the second team on sale.
