Kamil Khan has announced his decision to step away from the Sialkot Stallionz just a month before the start of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), citing internal management decisions behind his exit.
In a statement shared on social media, Khan said he joined the franchise’s leadership “out of deep love for Pakistan cricket” and was responsible for overseeing the cricketing operations.
He highlighted early progress during his tenure, including the signing of Australian star Steve Smith, the induction of former Australia captain Tim Paine, and the finalization of a commercial partnership with New Balance.
Khan said his departure followed “certain management decisions” taken at the ownership level. He added that the move had been decided earlier but delayed to ensure the franchise was left “in safe hands.”
Ownership Shake-Up Behind the Scenes
Khan’s resignation comes amid reports that a new investor has agreed in principle to acquire more than 90 percent of the Stallionz’ shares, a move that would effectively strip administrative control from the Australia-based OZ Group, which has reportedly struggled to meet its financial obligations.
The uncertainty dates back to the most recent PSL auction, where the Pakistan Cricket Board awarded the league’s seventh team to FKS Group for Rs 1.75 billion and the eighth team to OZ Group for Rs 1.85 billion. While FKS Group completed its payments on time, OZ Group reportedly ran into trouble after two partners withdrew during bidding due to the rising franchise cost.
Also read: PSL 11 Auction: Naseem Shah Joins Rawalpindi for Rs. 8.65 Crore
Although OZ Group avoided immediate termination by submitting a bank guarantee after the deadline, issues surrounding the franchise fee continued. Attempts to sell a 75 percent stake to another investor failed to generate the promised funds, despite multiple public announcements and press events in Lahore and Karachi.
Out of my deep love for Pakistan cricket, I joined the leadership team of Sialkot Stallionz, assuming responsibility for the cricketing side with sincerity. In a short time, we made significant progress, including securing Steve Smith, appointing Tim Paine and partnering with New…
— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan) February 22, 2026
Under PSL regulations, a full ownership transfer is not permitted within the first three years, meaning any incoming party would be classified as a strategic partner rather than a complete replacement.
PCB Scrutiny and Another High-Profile Exit
Sources claim PCB due diligence raised concerns over the financial background of one existing owner, while the prospective new partner is believed to have stronger financial credentials. An official update is expected next week.
In a separate development, cricket legend Wasim Akram has also confirmed that he is no longer involved with the Stallionz as president, stating that discussions never progressed beyond informal phone calls and no formal agreement was signed.
With PSL 11 fast approaching, the franchise now faces mounting pressure to stabilize its ownership structure and management as preparations for the new season enter a critical phase.
