Inverex, OZ Group, Jazz and DSM are four teams thus far that have joined the race ahead of HBL PSL teams auction
Special Correspondent
The race for ownership of the new franchises in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has gathered further momentum with Jazz officially coming on board as the fourth qualified bidder, while DSM (Sahir Associates/DAM Group) has also entered the mix ahead of the much-anticipated PSL Teams Auction scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Previously, Inverex Solar Energy was confirmed as the first qualified bidder, followed by OZ Group of Companies as the second. With Jazz and DSM now joining the list, competition is intensifying as corporate heavyweights line up to be part of Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league, which is set to expand from six to eight teams starting from PSL Season 11.
Organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the PSL has evolved into one of the region’s most successful and widely followed franchise leagues since its launch in 2016. The expansion reflects the league’s growing commercial value, global appeal, and confidence among local and overseas investors.
OZ Group: Business confidence meets cricket passion
The OZ Group of Companies, led by Chairman Hamza Majeed, was confirmed earlier as the second qualified bidder. An overseas Pakistani who permanently returned to Pakistan in 2023, Majeed has expressed strong optimism about contributing to Pakistan cricket through the PSL platform.
“Cricket is in our blood and deeply woven into the identity of Pakistanis,” Majeed said, describing the PSL expansion as a rare and exciting opportunity. He emphasized that OZ Group has been preparing for the bidding process for several months and is ready to work closely with the PCB and PSL management if awarded a franchise.
“Our ultimate goal is to help make cricket bigger, stronger and more inclusive for the nation,” he added.
Inverex Energy: A proven partner of Pakistan cricket
Inverex Solar Energy, Pakistan’s largest solar brand, remains the first confirmed qualified bidder. Founded in 2007, Inverex expanded into solar energy in 2012 and gradually aligned its corporate journey with Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem.
CEO Mohammad Zakir Ali highlighted Inverex’s long-standing relationship with cricket, recalling its early collaboration with the PCB during the Pakistan Cup and its role as a sponsor of the PSL’s very first team.
“Our story was never limited to energy,” Ali said. “It became a story about Pakistan’s passion.” He reaffirmed Inverex’s commitment to supporting sports alongside sustainable development through renewable energy and innovation.
Technology meets passion: Jazz enters the PSL bidding arena
Telecom and digital giant Jazz has now been confirmed as the fourth qualified bidder, bringing a powerful blend of technology, entertainment and consumer insight into the PSL expansion race.
Kazim Mujtaba, President of Jazz’s Consumer Division, outlined the strategic thinking behind the move, describing Jazz’s evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a full-fledged digital ecosystem with platforms such as JazzCash (FinTech) and Tamasha (digital entertainment and streaming).
“Cricket is not just a sport in Pakistan—it’s a national passion,” Mujtaba said. “When technology meets cricket, we believe we can create a true superpower.”
Jazz brings with it more than two decades of association with Pakistan cricket. The company has been:
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A long-term partner of the PCB
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A major stakeholder and sponsor of the PSL since its inception
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A proud sponsor of the Pakistan Women’s National Team, promoting inclusivity and diversity
By bidding for a PSL franchise, Jazz aims to redefine fan engagement through digital innovation, data-driven experiences and immersive content.
DSM (Sahir Associates): Focus on marginalized regions
DSM (Sahir Associates/DAM Group) has also joined the race, bringing a development-focused vision to the PSL expansion. Operating across diverse sectors including sugar manufacturing, mining, agriculture, chemicals, sports and other ventures, the group sees cricket as a powerful tool for social uplift.
“Our core vision is to promote cricket in underdeveloped and marginalized regions of Pakistan,” the group stated.
DSM plans to:
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Establish cricket academies in talent-starved areas
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Contribute to building modern cricket infrastructure
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Strengthen grassroots pathways so young athletes from underserved regions can access professional opportunities
“This is our primary objective: to bridge the gap and provide a platform for talent that often goes unnoticed,” the group emphasized.
PSL expansion and the road ahead
The PSL Teams Auction on January 8, 2026, will determine the ownership of two new franchises, a move expected to inject fresh investment, generate employment, boost regional economies and further elevate Pakistan’s standing in global cricket.
With Inverex, OZ Group, Jazz and DSM now firmly in the race—and more qualified bidders in the pipeline—the PSL continues to cement its reputation as a professionally managed league that blends sport, business innovation and national pride.
As the countdown to the auction begins, the expanding list of bidders signals growing confidence in the PSL’s long-term vision and its role as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s sports economy.
