In a major upcoming PSL 2026-related development, the PCB has recently confirmed that it will take direct control of the Multan Sultans franchise. As opposed to assigning the franchise to a new owner right away, the PCB will administer the franchise during the 11th edition of the PSL and then auction it after the completion of the tournament.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi told the press conference that ex-cricketers and sports experts would be taken on a temporary basis in the PSL to handle the Multan Sultans team.
Multan Sultans to Be Auctioned After PSL Season
Naqvi further clarified that the PCB is planning to name an interim head for this franchise within a few days. Now, as soon as the PSL tournament comes to an end, they will call for applications to purchase the franchise of ‘Multan Sultans’ through a bidding process.
As per Naqvi, “Selling the franchise along with the two new PSL teams was not possible because of league regulations, which state that sales of franchises have to be announced well in advance.” Given that when PSL is going to begin in late March itself, there was not enough time for an independent sale.
Ali Tareen’s Exit and Escalating Dispute
This comes after the departure of Ali Tareen, the former owner of Multan Sultans, who announced in the last month that he was moving away from Multan Sultans. This decision was after a disagreement with the management of PSL, which he said was not transparent.
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As a result, the PCB took a legal notice against Tareen on charges of violating his contracts and demanded that he issue a formal apology. Tareen issued a satirical video response to this notice, which further increased the differences between both sides.
Lack of Communication Prior to PSL 11
As the planning for PSL 11 intensified, Tareen said to be kept out of the consultations, and he was the lone owner who had not been offered a renewal of his contract. He said to have tried to make contact with PCB and PSL management, to no avail, and he opted to sue them.
The PCB was left with the quest of possibly auctioning three franchises instead of two due to Tareen’s ownership lapsing on December 31. The PCB decided to keep its temporary ownership of Multan Sultans instead.
PCB Keeps Door Open for Ali Tareen
Although there has been tension, Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that there has not been complete antagonism. Tareen has been appreciated by Mohsin Naqvi as someone who has played an important role in making Multan Sultans what it is, and that he too will be invited to bid on one Naqvi said that the PCB is still an open invitation to the bidding candidates that the committee is trying to improve the PSL structure.
History of Unprecedented Move in PSL
The fact that the running of a franchise will be done by a PCB marks the first instance in the PSL and is very rare in major leagues around the world that have the T20 format. Information about the organizational framework for Multan Sultans operating under the PCB is expected to come to light soon.
Possible Change in PSL Start Dat
The PCB is also thinking of bringing forward the PSL’s start date. The originally planned date was to be on March 26, but now this could take place on March 23, marking Pakistan’s national public holiday, celebrated as a historic milestone in the formation of this nation.
Wasim Akram Appointed PSL Brand Ambassador In another major announcement, legendary speed bowler Wasim Akram has been named as the official brand ambassador of the PSL. Akram had been collaborating with Islamabad United in a mentoring role and is going to play a major part in promoting the league internationally.
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