Inverex Solar Energy and OZ Group lead bidding process for PSL expansion
By Nawaz Gohar ; The landscape of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set for a monumental shift as the first two official bidders have been confirmed for the auction of two new franchises. Inverex Solar Energy has secured the top position among ten potential bidders, followed closely by the OZ Group of Companies, as the league prepares to expand to an eight-team format for its 11th edition.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) verified that these entities have cleared the initial technical and financial scrutiny, marking them as frontrunners for the high-profile auction scheduled to take place on January 8, 2026, in Islamabad.
By securing the first position on the list of eligible bidders, Inverex Solar Energy has signaled its readiness to transition from a long-term cricket sponsor to a franchise owner. The company’s leadership views this as a strategic alignment between the energy sector and national sports.
In a statement, Muhammad Zakir Ali, CEO of Inverex Solar Energy, emphasized the brand’s commitment to the nation: “We believe in cricket and its fans. Our vision is simple: to provide energy to Pakistan, not just on the field, but off it as well. We are ready to take every possible step for the progress of this land we proudly call Pakistan.”
The OZ Group of Companies has been confirmed as the second verified bidder. Led by Founder Chairman Hamza Majeed, the group represents the growing interest of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s domestic sporting economy.
Majeed, who has been operating his business in Pakistan for the last two years, shared his motivation: “As an overseas Pakistani, I have a deep love for cricket. It is the heart’s desire of every Pakistani to do something for their country. If given the opportunity, I will play my full role in the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”
The addition of two new teams will bring the total number of franchises to eight for the 2026 season. While the auction for the new teams is the immediate priority, the PCB has clarified the status of existing teams. Notably, the management of Multan Sultans is currently being overseen by the PCB itself, with the resale of that specific franchise scheduled for a later date.
The upcoming auction in Islamabad is expected to be a star-studded event, drawing significant corporate interest and promising a massive financial windfall for the league. The expansion is anticipated to bring top-tier cricket to more cities across Pakistan, further solidifying the PSL’s status as one of the world’s premier T20 competitions.
