ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Hyderabad franchise has signed Australia’s top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking their direct signing of the tournament.
In addition to that, the franchise has also signed four local players, including star opening-batter Saim Ayub, wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan, pacer Akif Javed, and emerging star Maaz Sadaqat.
The announcement was made on the official social media accounts of the franchise, which were launched a while ago.
“Yeah… this just happened. Calm under pressure. Built for big moments. Marnus Labuschagne locked in as our direct signing forPSL,” the caption read.
Yeah… this just happened 👀
Calm under pressure. Built for big moments. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲 locked in as our direct signing for #HBLPSL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wctSOWlaMF
— Cricket (@HHKingsmen) February 6, 2026
Furthermore, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) official social media handles posted that Saim Ayub was signed in the Platinum category for a mammoth Rs126 million, while Usman Khan was picked in the Diamond category and was acquired for Rs46.2 million.
The franchise has secured Akif Javed in the Gold category for Rs19.6 million, and Maaz Sadaqat secuired deal for Rs35 million in the Emerging category.
Final reveal💥
Team Hyderabad retentions confirmed for HBL PSL 11 #HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/aIr2FAZX8z
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 6, 2026
Marnus, 31, is a regular member of the Australian Test and ODI teams. He was also part of the 2023 Australian World Cup triumph. Overall, he has played 59 T20s, scoring 1381 runs at an average of 26.55 at a strike rate of 126.81.
Hyderabad team launch
The Hyderabad team management has earlier announced that the official name and logo will be unveiled at a special launch event on Saturday, February 7, at the Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad.
The launch event will also include a live concert, fireworks, and a drone show with singer Saif Samejo and Shae Gill set to light up the ceremony.
Moreover, as part of the launch activities, a rally will be organized from Karachi to Hyderabad to celebrate the introduction of the new franchise and engage cricket fans across the region.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad has also strengthened its coaching panel ahead of the historic edition, welcoming former Pakistan red-ball head coach and Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie as head coach.
Grant Bradburn joins as fielding coach, Craig White as assistant coach, Hanif Malik as batting coach, and Zac Martin will take charge as strength and conditioning coach.
The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3. For the first time, the traditional player draft has been replaced by a player auction, set for February 11.
