Special Correspondent
Australian-based businessman and sports investor Hamza Majeed has formally joined the bidding process for a new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, underlining his intent to contribute not only to Pakistan’s cricketing growth but also to the country’s broader economic and global image.
Having travelled specially from Australia to Pakistan, Majeed spoke to the media in Lahore, describing his participation in the PSL bidding as a personal and professional commitment rather than a symbolic gesture. He clarified that he is bidding individually, without any consortium, and plans to run the franchise on a fully professional and modern sports management model.
“This is not just about owning a team,” Majeed said. “Our vision is to build a structured, competitive and sustainable franchise. Success may not come overnight, but our passion for cricket and our commitment to Pakistan will remain firm.”
Professional vision and global experience
Majeed revealed that a specialised team has been working behind the scenes on the project for the past one and a half months, focusing on planning, sustainability and long-term growth. Drawing on his experience in sports-related investments in Australia and England, he said he hopes to bring international best practices to Pakistan’s premier T20 league.
He stressed that the PSL offers a unique platform that combines sporting excellence with commercial opportunity, making it an ideal vehicle for attracting overseas investors while strengthening Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem.
Focus on youth and talent development
Highlighting the PSL’s role in nurturing young players, Majeed announced plans to introduce talent hunt programmes in multiple cities if he successfully acquires the franchise. The initiative, he said, would aim to identify emerging cricketers and provide them with structured development pathways aligned with international standards.
“The PSL gives young players a stage to shine. Our responsibility is to ensure that talent from smaller cities and underrepresented areas also gets the chance to grow,” he added.
Punjab identity and local roots
Majeed, who hails from Punjab, said the regional identity of the franchise would be an important consideration. He revealed that Faisalabad or Sialkot are among the cities being considered for the team’s name, should his bid succeed.
He also acknowledged learning from existing franchises, particularly praising Lahore Qalandars for their player development model, which he described as inspiring and forward-looking.
Merit, transparency and local expertise
Speaking about squad building, Majeed endorsed the PSL draft system, calling it the most transparent and fair mechanism for player selection. He emphasized that giving preference to Pakistani coaches and local support staff would be a central pillar of his franchise philosophy.
“Our aim is to empower local expertise while maintaining professional standards that match global leagues,” he said.
Beyond cricket: Image and economy
Concluding his interaction, Majeed highlighted the PSL’s importance beyond the boundary lines. He said the league plays a vital role in projecting a positive image of Pakistan internationally, attracting investment, and contributing to economic activity.
“Being part of the PSL is not only about cricket,” he said. “It’s about national pride, economic growth and showing the world what Pakistan is capable of. If given the opportunity, it would be an honour to contribute to this journey.”
With the PSL expansion process gaining momentum, Majeed’s entry adds another international dimension to the bidding landscape, reflecting the league’s growing global appeal and investment potential.
