The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to generate more than Rs. 2 billion from the sale of the Multan Sultans franchise, with strong interest already shown by multiple local and foreign investors ahead of the auction.
According to sources, several potential buyers have expressed serious interest even before the formal bidding process, while the former owners of Multan Sultans are also keen to regain ownership of the team.
Background of the Franchise Sale
The franchise agreement was not extended earlier due to disputes between the PCB and the previous owners. Initially, the PCB had announced plans to manage Multan Sultans itself for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
However, following the successful sale of two new PSL teams at high valuations, the board revised its decision and opted to auction the Multan Sultans franchise instead.
Recent PSL Franchise Sales Set High Benchmark
The PCB recently sold:
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Hyderabad franchise for Rs. 1.75 billion
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Sialkot franchise for an annual fee of Rs. 1.85 billion
Encouraged by these figures, the PCB issued an advertisement for the sale of the Multan Sultans. The deadline for submitting technical bids is Friday.
Sources say at least two companies are prepared to bid up to Rs. 2 billion, although the final price will be determined through a competitive auction.
Former Owners Also Eye Buyback
Sources revealed that the former owners have also shown interest in buying back the franchise. They had previously participated in the bidding process for the two new teams but were informed by the PCB that outstanding dues must be cleared to remain eligible. The dues were reportedly paid immediately.
During that process, the former owners asked whether they could select a team name outside the options provided by the PCB. They were told this would be possible only after depositing a $1 million fee, subject to PCB approval.
However, they withdrew from the bidding minutes before the auction.
PCB Rejects Direct Sale Request
Sources further said that the former owner later approached a senior PCB official, requesting that the franchise be returned for Rs. 1.35 billion, arguing that the team rightfully belonged to them.
PCB officials rejected the request, maintaining that ownership had formally ended and that the only way to regain the franchise was by participating in the auction and submitting the highest bid.
PCB Defends Decision to Auction Franchise
Following the official announcement of the auction, some stakeholders questioned why the PCB chose to sell the team this year after earlier stating it would operate the franchise itself. PCB officials, however, defended the decision, citing strong market demand and higher valuations.
The new owner of Multan Sultans is expected to be announced in the coming days. The franchise’s previous annual fee was approximately Rs. 1.08 billion.
