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.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board and all eight Hundred franchises said on Tuesday that players must not be excluded based on nationality, after reports that Indian-owned teams may avoid signing Pakistan cricketers.

The BBC reported last week that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds would not consider signing Pakistan players for the competition amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

“The Hundred was established to reach new audiences, grow the game of cricket and ensure that everyone — regardless of their ethnicity, gender, faith, nationality or other — can feel they belong in our sport,” they said in a statement.

“Players must not be excluded on the grounds of their nationality. All eight teams commit to selection being based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.”

The player auction is scheduled for March 11-12 in London, with 67 Pakistan players having registered, including fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, according to the BBC.

Pakistan players have been effectively barred from the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009.

The Hundred, the only cricket league in the world that uses the 100-ball format, will be held from July 21 to August 16 and was opened to private investment this year, with four franchises acquired by IPL owners.

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.