Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan — A new era of Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket has officially begun as the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen unveiled their team name, logo, and official playing jersey ahead of PSL Season 11 — set to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026.
In a vibrant ceremony that turned Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium into a festival of cricketing passion and local pride, the city welcomed its first-ever PSL franchise with cheers, fireworks, and declarations of sporting ambition. This moment marks a defining chapter in both the city’s cricketing story and the future of the PSL as the league expands to eight teams for the first time in its history.
📣 A Night to Remember: Hyderabad’s Name and Logo Reveal
On a memorable evening at Niaz Stadium, franchise owner Fawad Sarwar took to the stage to reveal what will be Hyderabad’s identity in the Pakistan Super League. With the crowd cheering and fireworks lighting up the Sindh sky, Sarwar announced the franchise’s official name as the:
👉 Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen
The atmosphere was electric as fans watched the team’s colors and emblem projected live, capturing the beginning of Hyderabad’s PSL journey in dramatic style.
🏏 What the Name Represents
The name Kingsmen reflects a blend of sporting courage, team unity, and a fighting spirit — qualities that the ownership group believes will define the franchise’s culture. The addition of “Houston” to the name hints at the team’s global ties, as the Kingsmen brand and ownership group have roots in international cricket and sports entrepreneurship. While some local fans questioned the foreign reference, most embraced the significance of Hyderabad finally joining cricket’s elite T20 stage.
Fawad Sarwar spoke passionately about his connection to the city, saying that bringing PSL cricket to Hyderabad was a dream realized. He promised that the Kingsmen would be a competitive team, committed to excellence and the city’s sporting future.
Local dignitaries, including Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro and other political figures, joined the celebration and underlined the economic and cultural impact of having a PSL team based in Hyderabad — a city known for its cricket heritage and iconic Niaz Stadium.
🎽 Official Jersey Reveal: Black, Gold, and Built for Battle
Soon after the name and logo introduction, the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen revealed their official PSL 11 jersey, stirring excitement among fans and players alike. The new kit features:
- Primary colors: Black with bold golden accents
- Design philosophy: Crafted for strength, pride and performance
- Visual theme: A modern, commanding aesthetic with a focus on legacy and power
“Designed for conquest. Threaded with legacy. Every stitch tells a story of pride, power, and purpose,” the franchise’s unveiling statement read, illustrating the team’s intent to make a bold visual impact on the PSL stage.
🔥 Why the Jersey Matters
In franchise cricket, the kit isn’t just a uniform — it represents the team’s identity and values. For Hyderabad, the sleek black and gold color scheme is both visually striking and symbolic of a team that seeks to challenge established powers in the league from day one. Fans and commentators have already begun dissecting the design on social media, debating its style, meaning, and how it compares to the kits of other PSL teams.
The launch of the jersey ahead of the full squad announcement underscores the franchise’s strategy of building early buzz and generating fan anticipation long before the first match is played.
🏆 Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen: New Kids on the PSL Block
The Hyderabad franchise is one of the two new additions to the Pakistan Super League in Season 11, alongside Sialkot Stallionz, as the PCB expands the competition to a historic eight-team format.
🧠 Ownership and Vision
The team is owned by the FKS Group, led by entrepreneur Fawad Sarwar, who secured the franchise rights at the PSL auction with a bid of Rs 1.75 billion.
Sarwar’s vision goes beyond the sport: he wants to transform Hyderabad into a thriving hub for cricket culture, infrastructure investment, and international fan engagement. By integrating the team’s identity with a global brand name and a dynamic sporting philosophy, the Kingsmen are positioning themselves as a franchise with long-term ambition.
🏏 Star Power and Squad Building
While the official squad for PSL 11 will be finalized at the player auction scheduled for February 11, 2026, Hyderabad has already made major moves to put together a competitive roster.
🔒 Key Retentions and Signings
Before the auction, the franchise confirmed several players as part of its foundational squad:
- Saim Ayub – Pakistan’s top T20 batting sensation
- Usman Khan – Talented middle-order batter
- Maaz Sadaqat – Emerging local talent
- Akif Javed – Prolific bowling prospect
- Marnus Labuschagne – Australian international signing (via direct signing model)
These early acquisitions signal Hyderabad’s intent to balance youth and experience, building a team capable of competing across all match situations.
🎯 Direct Signing Model
PSL 11 introduced a revised recruitment structure allowing franchises to make direct signings outside the traditional auction. Hyderabad used this opportunity to bring in Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne — known for his batting prowess and international experience. While his T20 record doesn’t match his Test accolades, his presence adds depth to the Kingsmen’s batting lineup.
🧑🏫 Coaching and Backroom Strength
Beyond players, Hyderabad has invested in a top-tier coaching team to steer its inaugural campaign.
👨🏫 Head Coach: Jason Gillespie
Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed as the head coach of the Hyderabad franchise, bringing world-class coaching credentials and strategic insight to the Kingsmen setup. Gillespie has extensive international coaching experience, having previously worked in Pakistan’s national setup and various franchise leagues.
Assisting Gillespie are:
- Grant Bradburn – Fielding Coach
- Craig White – Assistant Coach
- Hanif Malik – Batting Coach
- Zac Martin – Strength & Conditioning
The seasoned coaching staff is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Hyderabad’s playing philosophy and competitive structure.
🌍 The Significance of Hyderabad Joining the PSL
🏙️ A Historic Moment for Sindh’s Second City
Hyderabad joining the PSL not only expands the league but also brings top-tier T20 cricket to a region rich in cricketing heritage. The iconic Niaz Stadium, which has hosted memorable international matches in the past, will now be a home ground to a franchise ready to etch its own history.
💼 Economic and Cultural Impact
Officials and local leaders believe the PSL team will generate:
- Tourism and matchday revenue
- New sports infrastructure projects
- Youth engagement and grassroots development
- Broader media and sponsorship opportunities
By integrating sports with community development, Hyderabad’s PSL journey is poised to deliver benefits beyond the boundary ropes.
🗓 What’s Next for Kingsmen and PSL 11
With the name, logo, and jersey now in the spotlight, all eyes turn to the upcoming PSL 11 player auction on February 11, 2026, where franchises will complete their squads for the season. The tournament itself is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026 and run until May 3, 2026, marking one of the most exciting seasons in PSL history with:
- A new eight-team format
- Fresh rivalries
- Big international signings
- Full fan engagement across Pakistan and beyond
For Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, every step from logo unveil to squad building is part of a larger journey — one that carries the hopes of a passionate fanbase and the ambition to compete with the best. As the countdown to PSL 11 continues, the Kingsmen are ready to march onto Pakistan’s biggest cricketing stage.
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