Who is Majeed Chaudhry, buyer of PSL’s most expensive franchise?

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot has been sold to the OZ Group for Rs1.85 billion for a 10-year period, making it the most expensive team purchase in the league’s history ahead of the 11th season.

The OZ Group is headed by businessman Majeed Chaudhry, who secured the eighth PSL franchise during a bidding ceremony in Islamabad, setting a new benchmark for team valuations in the tournament.

At the event, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, two franchises — Hyderabad and Sialkot — were sold for a combined total of Rs3.6 billion, officials said.

Who is Majeed Chaudhry?

Majeed Chaudhry, chief executive of the OZ Group and owner of the Faisalabad PSL franchise, has been based in Australia and returned to Pakistan two years ago.

Speaking to Express News ahead of the bidding ceremony, Chaudhry said he had long wanted to contribute to Pakistan while living abroad. “Cricket is the only sport that unites the entire nation, and I have loved cricket since childhood,” he said.

Chaudhry said that he had been working for around 18 months to acquire a new PSL franchise. “People often say everyone is leaving the country, but I am returning to Pakistan,” he said.

He added that his decision to move back from Australia was driven by what he described as a deep attachment to his homeland.

Chaudhry described the PSL as a key part of Pakistan’s identity and said it was the world’s second-largest cricket league. He added that the league’s management aims to make it the biggest in the world.

“If the current standards are maintained, I believe the PSL can soon reach the top position,” he said.

He said the PSL also reflected Pakistan’s economy, noting that the league had played a significant role in the revival of international cricket in the country and had become a global showcase for Pakistan.

Asked about recruiting foreign players or staff for his team, Chaudhry said Pakistan had produced many leading figures in world cricket and that his franchise would prioritise local mentors.

He said former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and former captain Shahid Afridi were part of their setup, adding that he shared close ties with both and regarded them as elder brothers.