PCB to Run Multan Sultans for PSL 11 After Ownership Dispute
- Laiba Abbasi
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take direct control of Multan Sultans for the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday.
The move follows the end of the franchise’s ownership arrangement with Ali Khan Tareen, whose contract was not renewed after the PCB deemed him non-compliant with league regulations, largely stemming from his public criticism of PSL administration. As a result, Multan Sultans will operate without private ownership for the next season.
Addressing a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said the PCB would oversee the franchise’s affairs for the duration of PSL 11 before transferring ownership to new investors through a formal auction process after the season concludes.
“This year, Multan Sultans will be run by the PCB itself,” Naqvi said. “After the next PSL, we will hand the franchise over to new owners through an auction, God willing.”
He added that an interim head for the team would be appointed within the next eight to ten days, ideally someone with a professional cricketing background to ensure operational stability.
Multan Sultans, introduced as the PSL’s sixth team in 2018, have been one of the league’s most successful and commercially valuable franchises. They lifted their maiden PSL title in 2021 and went on to feature in several finals. The franchise was initially purchased at a higher valuation than any other team at the time.
Relations between the PCB and Tareen deteriorated over the past year as the former owner repeatedly raised concerns regarding governance, transparency and communication within the league. The dispute escalated into an exchange of legal notices, with both sides threatening legal action, before Tareen opted not to renew ownership, citing personal principles.
The development comes at a time when the PSL is preparing for a major expansion. The 2026 edition of the league will feature eight teams, marking its first structural expansion since Multan Sultans joined seven years ago. The auction for the two new franchises is scheduled for January 8 in Islamabad, with 10 bidders, both local and international, already shortlisted after meeting technical requirements.
Speculation has emerged that Tareen could be involved, directly or indirectly, in bidding for one of the new franchises. Naqvi dismissed concerns over any potential participation, stating that the PCB would have no objections.
“Ali has contributed significantly to Multan Sultans,” Naqvi said. “Whatever happened in the past is not something I want to get into. Technically, he is welcome. If he wants to buy a new team, he should do so.”
While five existing franchises renewed their agreements earlier this year under revised valuations, Multan Sultans will not be offered for sale ahead of the upcoming season. According to Naqvi, regulatory requirements under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules made it impossible to include the franchise in the January 8 auction.
“There is strong interest in Multan Sultans at the moment,” he said. “But PPRA rules require an international advertisement, followed by a mandatory waiting period. That entire process takes time and cannot be completed before the next PSL.”
He added that once the regulatory process is completed, the franchise would be sold immediately.
The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, once again overlapping with the Indian Premier League. The PCB believes the overlap can be offset by higher player salaries and increased prize money to attract top overseas players.
Naqvi also revealed that discussions are underway to bring the tournament’s start date forward to March 23, allowing the opening match to coincide with Pakistan Day.
In another announcement, Naqvi confirmed that former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador. Akram will formally assume the role from January 1.