LAHORE: Hamza Majeed, the owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Sialkot Stallionz, has firmly rejected bankruptcy claims and confirmed the appointment of the team’s coaching staff.

Speaking at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, The News reported, Majeed addressed rumours of financial trouble and alleged share transfers. He maintained that the franchise is financially stable and fully prepared for its debut campaign in the eleventh edition of the marquee league.

The press conference came amid wider instability at the Stallionz, following the resignation of senior management figure Kamil Khan and confirmation from Wasim Akram that he is no longer serving as franchise president.

Majeed categorically denied rumours of bankruptcy, stating that the first year’s franchise fee had already been submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in January, backed by a three-year corporate guarantee.

He described the controversy as stemming from a “fake receipt” provided by a potential partner, whom he accused of misusing his trust. Legal proceedings and defamation notices have been initiated against those spreading what he called “baseless” allegations.

On ownership, Majeed rejected claims that 98% of the franchise had been sold. He acknowledged that equity dilution is under discussion but emphasised that any development remains subject to PCB approval.

He confirmed that a non-disclosure agreement has been signed with a prospective strategic partner, with formal announcements expected within two to three days.

Turning to cricketing matters, Majeed unveiled a heavyweight coaching panel for the Stallionz’ debut season.

Former Australia captain Tim Paine has been appointed head coach, supported by Mike Smith as assistant coach, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan as bowling coach, Sohaib Maqsood as batting coach, and Qaiser Abbas as technical advisor.

Australian physio Brandon Wilson will oversee player fitness. Majeed also confirmed that star batter Steve Smith remains committed to the squad and will feature in the playing XI.

He thanked the PCB for its support, noting that the board had given him space to resolve the crisis.

“If there was even a 1% doubt about my credibility, the PCB would have exited me from the league already,” he said. Looking ahead, Majeed promised long-term commitment, declaring: “You will see this face in the PSL for at least the next 10 years, Insha’Allah.”

Former England international cricketer Michael Atherton has termed Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi a very dangerous opponent for any team.

Despite England inflicting a defeat on the Pakistani side in the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Kandy, Atherton, who is also a cricket commentator, praised Shaheen for regaining form.

When asked to comment on the fast bowler, he said: “Wickets up top is what he’s all about. His combination of obviously decent pace, and if he can get that ball swinging, he remains a very dangerous opponent.”

England chased down their target of 165 with five balls to spare, despite a late wobble. Captain Harry Brook scored his first T20 international century to take England into the World Cup semi-finals with a nervy two-wicket win.

Atherton recalled that Shaheen — who took four wickets in the match against England — has had a difficult time. “And, you know, he’s one of the kind of iconic figures of Pakistan cricket.”

“So it’s good to see him back, taking wickets at the top of the order. And he got Pakistan right back in the game. They only needed to get Harry Brook out and that was probably Pakistan’s game. But Brook was just too good for them tonight,” he added.

After England restricted Pakistan to 164-9, Brook came in on the second ball of the innings with the score 0-1 after Phil Salt’s golden duck, caught behind off Shaheen.

Wickets tumbled in the power play but Brook stood firm.

He lifted his side from a precarious 35-3 to 155-6 when he was dismissed by Shaheen, having scored the second fastest century in T20 World Cup history and the first by a team captain.

Shaheen hailed Brook’s century as a “world-class knock” and said that this would be the best innings of his life. “Brook played proper cricketing shots, and he deserved a handshake, so I went to him and shook his hand in appreciation,” said the pacer.

The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL’s more crowded quarterback rooms. 

Sheduer Sanders took over the starting quarterback duties in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season. Dillon Gabriel moved to a backup role as Deshaun Watson stayed on the physically unable to perform list, even after the team opened his 21-day practice window in December. Watson is still recovering from his latest Achilles injury.

Speaking at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Tuesday, Brown general manager Andrew Berry left the door open for Watson to compete with Sanders for the starting job next season.

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Berry cautioned that there’s no rush to decide on who will QB1 when next season kicks off. 

“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” he said. “I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different.”

While Gabriel could be among the group competing for the starting spot, Berry has previously indicated that the team could look to add an experienced quarterback to the roster at some point this offseason.

Sanders took snaps with the designated second-team for the majority of the Browns’ minicamp and training camp last year. He went 3-4 as a starter in 2025. Berry is optimistic Sanders can continue to improve.

“I think the biggest thing that we want to see from Shedeur is just continued growth,” Berry said. “I think he grew a lot from Start 1 to Start 7. I think certainly playing more efficiently, not putting the ball in harm’s way as much would be important while maintaining the ability to produce out of structure and generate explosive plays.”

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

The Browns dismissed Kevin Stefanski in January and brought in Todd Monken, and Berry said he wants Sanders to acclimate to the new system.

“You’re not going to see all of that in the upcoming months because we’re not on the field. So the biggest thing that he can do is learn the new offense, get in with the coaching staff once our offseason program starts, continue to work on his body physically and then make strides when we actually get on the grass.”

Watson has appeared in just 19 games in the three years since he inked an unprecedented fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. Watson is reportedly owed $46 million next season and carries the largest salary cap hit in the league in 2026.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)

Berry confirmed Watson continues to work through the rehab process. “Deshaun’s been working really hard, he’s been working his tail off,” he said. “And like I said, we’re excited to go in mid-April with all of our players across the roster.”

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The Browns went 5-12 last season.

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