PSL Expansion Continues: Multan Sultans Up for Sale Following Ownership Change
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major step towards reshaping the franchise structure of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by officially putting the Multan Sultans franchise up for auction ahead of the league’s 11th edition. The board has invited interested parties to submit bids for ownership rights, marking a significant moment in the PSL’s ongoing commercial evolution.
Multan Sultans, one of the more established teams in the PSL since joining the league in 2018, has built a loyal fan base and a strong competitive identity. The franchise lifted its maiden PSL title in 2021, further strengthening its on-field credentials. However, the ownership scenario shifted late last year when long-time franchise owner Ali Khan Tareen opted not to renew his agreement with the PCB, officially stepping away from a team he had helped develop over seven seasons.
Initially, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had indicated that the board would temporarily take over the operations of Multan Sultans for the PSL 2026 season, overseeing player recruitment and team management before offering the franchise for sale at a later stage under regulatory timelines. Recent developments, however, suggest that the PCB has decided to fast-track the process. The board has now opened the bidding process ahead of the season, with tenders formally invited from potential investors.
According to the PCB, interested parties must submit their technical proposals by January 30, 2026, following which shortlisted bidders will advance to the financial bidding stage. The move reflects the board’s confidence in market interest surrounding established PSL franchises.
The decision to auction Multan Sultans comes at a time of strong commercial momentum for the Pakistan Super League. Only weeks earlier, the PCB successfully conducted auctions for two new franchises - Hyderabad and Sialkot - as part of the league’s historic expansion from six to eight teams. Those auctions attracted significant investor interest and secured franchise fees of PKR 1.75 billion and PKR 1.85 billion respectively, far exceeding initial expectations and setting new benchmarks for PSL valuations.
League officials and board members believe that Multan Sultans with its established brand and history could attract even stronger bids, potentially surpassing the valuations seen for the most recent expansions. The team’s long participation in the PSL and support from a passionate fan base are seen as commercial assets that make the franchise an appealing prospect for both domestic and international investors.
PSL officials believe that Multan Sultans, given its established brand value and competitive history, could attract even higher bids. The franchise’s long-standing presence in the league, combined with consistent fan support, positions it as an attractive investment opportunity for both domestic and international investors.
The development also raises important questions about how the PSL will balance continuity with expansion. While the PCB is expected to ensure operational stability in the short term, the auction aims to inject fresh ownership, capital and strategic vision into the franchise. This approach aligns with the board’s broader strategy to capitalise on rising market interest and maximise long-term revenue across all PSL teams.
As prospective bidders prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive process, the sale of the Multan Sultans franchise could emerge as one of the most significant commercial events in PSL history. With the league’s growing stature among global T20 competitions and its expanded team roster, the outcome of the auction is likely to have a lasting impact.
As the process unfolds, cricket fans and investors alike will be watching closely to see how the PSL’s franchise dynamics evolve, particularly once new ownership of Multan Sultans is officially confirmed.
Multan Sultans, one of the more established teams in the PSL since joining the league in 2018, has built a loyal fan base and a strong competitive identity. The franchise lifted its maiden PSL title in 2021, further strengthening its on-field credentials. However, the ownership scenario shifted late last year when long-time franchise owner Ali Khan Tareen opted not to renew his agreement with the PCB, officially stepping away from a team he had helped develop over seven seasons.
Initially, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had indicated that the board would temporarily take over the operations of Multan Sultans for the PSL 2026 season, overseeing player recruitment and team management before offering the franchise for sale at a later stage under regulatory timelines. Recent developments, however, suggest that the PCB has decided to fast-track the process. The board has now opened the bidding process ahead of the season, with tenders formally invited from potential investors.
According to the PCB, interested parties must submit their technical proposals by January 30, 2026, following which shortlisted bidders will advance to the financial bidding stage. The move reflects the board’s confidence in market interest surrounding established PSL franchises.
The decision to auction Multan Sultans comes at a time of strong commercial momentum for the Pakistan Super League. Only weeks earlier, the PCB successfully conducted auctions for two new franchises - Hyderabad and Sialkot - as part of the league’s historic expansion from six to eight teams. Those auctions attracted significant investor interest and secured franchise fees of PKR 1.75 billion and PKR 1.85 billion respectively, far exceeding initial expectations and setting new benchmarks for PSL valuations.
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League officials and board members believe that Multan Sultans with its established brand and history could attract even stronger bids, potentially surpassing the valuations seen for the most recent expansions. The team’s long participation in the PSL and support from a passionate fan base are seen as commercial assets that make the franchise an appealing prospect for both domestic and international investors.
PSL officials believe that Multan Sultans, given its established brand value and competitive history, could attract even higher bids. The franchise’s long-standing presence in the league, combined with consistent fan support, positions it as an attractive investment opportunity for both domestic and international investors.
The development also raises important questions about how the PSL will balance continuity with expansion. While the PCB is expected to ensure operational stability in the short term, the auction aims to inject fresh ownership, capital and strategic vision into the franchise. This approach aligns with the board’s broader strategy to capitalise on rising market interest and maximise long-term revenue across all PSL teams.
As prospective bidders prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive process, the sale of the Multan Sultans franchise could emerge as one of the most significant commercial events in PSL history. With the league’s growing stature among global T20 competitions and its expanded team roster, the outcome of the auction is likely to have a lasting impact.
As the process unfolds, cricket fans and investors alike will be watching closely to see how the PSL’s franchise dynamics evolve, particularly once new ownership of Multan Sultans is officially confirmed.
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