PCB to take over operations of Multan Sultans for next PSL season

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that it would run the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans for the next season. In a press conference held on Sunday in Lahore, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the plans for the management of the Sultans in the short-term.

The franchise will be operated by a team of former cricketers and experts for PSL 11 after which it will be auctioned off. Naqvi stated that the Sultans could not be placed in the market for sale before the next PSL season as the deadline to announce the sale of a franchise before the next season has elapsed. Incidentally, the PSL is adding two more franchises from next year, the auction for which will be held in Islamabad on January 8, 2026.

"As soon as the PSL ends, we will auction the franchise off, and in the next eight to ten days, we will appoint an acting head to run the franchise," said Naqvi in the press conference.

Why are the Sultans without an owner?

Ali Tareen, the previous owner of the franchise, decided not to renew the ownership contract citing lack of direction and transparency from the PSL. Tareen came down heavily on the league, posting an explosive, no-holds-barred video on social media criticising the management.

After his public outburst the PCB sent Tareen a legal notice, stating non-compliance of ownership terms. The board also demanded an apology for his conduct in the video and asked him to take it down. Notably, the businessman had even gone as far as tearing the legal notice in the video.

The ownership contract legally comes to an end on December 31. Tareen, despite the feud, has been welcomed to bid for the two new franchises. Interestingly, Naqvi appreciated the efforts put in by the Punjab-based entrepreneur for the Sultans.

"Ali Tareen has done a lot of work for Multan Sultans. Unfortunately, what happened was an issue that I don't want to discuss. But we would absolutely welcome Ali back. If he wants to buy a new team he can bid for it by all means," added Naqvi.

Meanwhile, PSL 11 is expected to commence on March 23, Naqvi said, as opposed to March 26. Moreover, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was announced as the brand ambassador of the league during the press conference.