The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced plans to auction the Multan Sultans franchise ahead of the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), inviting new investors and corporate buyers to submit bids for franchise ownership.
The decision follows the PCB’s move to temporarily take control of Multan Sultans after former owner Ali Tareen opted not to renew his ownership agreement, ending his seven-year association with the PSL team.
PCB Takes Temporary Control After Ali Tareen’s Exit
Ali Tareen previously confirmed his departure from the franchise, citing differences with PSL management and other franchise owners. He stated that his decision was based on principled disagreements rather than financial reasons while describing Multan Sultans as a project of personal pride.
To ensure operational continuity ahead of the new season, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier announced that the board would run the franchise on an interim basis until a new owner was selected.
Sale to Happen Earlier Than Originally Planned
Although the PCB initially planned to auction Multan Sultans after the upcoming PSL season, the latest announcement indicates that the board has chosen to accelerate the sale process and finalize new ownership before the start of PSL 11.
The early auction is expected to help provide long-term stability for team operations, including player retention, sponsorship planning, and marketing strategies ahead of the tournament.
PSL 11 Expansion: Two New Teams Added
As part of its broader PSL expansion strategy, the PCB has already sold two new franchise slots, increasing the number of teams in PSL 11 from six to eight. The new teams will represent Hyderabad and Sialkot, marking the league’s largest expansion since its launch.
The expansion aims to strengthen regional representation, grow fan engagement, and increase commercial value for broadcasters and sponsors.
PSL 11 Player Draft Scheduled for January 30
The PCB has confirmed that the PSL 11 players’ draft will be held on January 30, where franchises will build their squads for the 2026 season. With changes in ownership and the addition of new teams, the upcoming draft is expected to be one of the most competitive in PSL history.
Franchise sales, ownership stability, and draft strategies will play a key role in shaping the league’s commercial success and on-field competitiveness in the next season.
