🏏🔥 PCB Likely to Hold Auction for Multan Sultans Ahead of PSL 11: A Franchise at the Crossroads
🌍 PCB Set to Auction Multan Sultans Ahead of PSL 11 After Record Franchise Valuations
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is entering uncharted territory — and at the heart of this transformation stands Multan Sultans, a franchise that has quietly become one of the league’s most intriguing success stories.
What began as a late addition to the PSL ecosystem is now set to become the centerpiece of a landmark auction, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to put Multan Sultans up for sale following unprecedented franchise valuations.
With two new franchises fetching Rs3.6 billion annually, the dynamics of PSL ownership have shifted permanently. And the PCB, sensing the moment, appears ready to capitalize.
This is not just a sale.
This is a redefinition of the PSL’s commercial ceiling.
🏗️ Background: How Multan Sultans Reached This Moment
🕰️ The Origin Story of Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans were introduced in 2018 as the sixth PSL franchise, breaking the league’s initial five-team structure.
At the time:
- The franchise was awarded to the Schon Group
- The deal was valued at $5.2 million
- It instantly became the most expensive PSL franchise
For context:
- Karachi Kings were bought for $2.6 million
- Multan’s valuation was double that figure
This set a precedent — Multan was expected to be commercially ambitious, not just competitive.
🔁 Ownership Transition: Ali Tareen Era
Ownership later transitioned to Ali Tareen, under whom:
- Multan Sultans became one of the most consistent PSL teams
- Reached multiple finals
- Built a strong player development model
- Established a loyal fanbase in South Punjab
On the field, Multan were elite.
Off the field, however, tensions slowly brewed.
⚠️ The Fallout: Why Ali Tareen Stepped Away
In November, Ali Tareen publicly announced his decision to walk away from the franchise.
His statement was emotional:
- He acknowledged financial losses
- Emphasized his emotional connection to the team
- Indicated that sustainability had become a concern
💥 Behind the Scenes: Strained Relations with PCB
Sources reveal:
- A year-long deterioration in relations between Tareen and the PCB
- Disagreements over revenue models
- Central pool contributions becoming financially restrictive
- No viable compromise reached
Eventually, both sides reached a point of no return.
Multan Sultans didn’t fail — the financial model failed them
🏛️ PCB Steps In: Temporary Control of Multan Sultans
Following the ownership exit:
- PCB assumed control of Multan Sultans
- Ownership agreement officially expired on December 31, 2025
- PCB announced it would operate the franchise for PSL 11
📅 Timeline:
- PSL 11: March 26 – May 3, 2026
- PCB-run season
- Auction planned after PSL 11, potentially ahead of PSL 12
💰 Financial Calculus: Why PCB Is Rethinking the Timeline
Originally, PCB planned to:
- Run Multan Sultans for one full year
- Auction the franchise in 2027
But circumstances have changed.
📈 Record Valuations Change Everything
The recent PSL franchise auction was historic:
- Hyderabad sold for Rs1.75 billion
- Sialkot sold for Rs1.85 billion
- Combined annual fee: Rs3.6 billion
This was:
- 34% higher than the combined valuation of the original five franchises
- A clear signal of market confidence
PSL franchises are no longer cricket teams — they’re premium media assets
💸 Cost-Benefit Breakdown for PCB
✅ Financial Savings If PCB Operates Multan Temporarily:
- Saves $3 million central pool contribution
- Saves $1 million in sponsorship commitments
- Total savings: $4 million annually
❌ Financial Loss:
- PCB forgoes $8.5 million franchise fee
- Operational risk
- Reputational exposure if performance dips
Operating a franchise is cheaper — selling it is smarter
🔥 Why PCB Is Likely to Fast-Track the Auction
Given the market momentum, PCB is now strongly considering auctioning Multan Sultans earlier than planned.
Key reasons:
- Peak franchise valuations
- Increased investor interest
- Eight-team PSL creates scarcity
- Successful Hyderabad & Sialkot sales raised confidence
Waiting until 2027 risks:
- Market cooling
- Economic uncertainty
- Reduced bidding competition
🧱 Multan Sultans as an Asset: Why It’s Gold
Multan Sultans are uniquely positioned:
📍 Geographic Advantage:
- Represents South Punjab
- Massive untapped fanbase
- Limited competition from other leagues
🏏 On-Field Legacy:
- Consistent playoff appearances
- Strong local talent pipeline
- Brand associated with professionalism
📊 Commercial Potential:
- Merchandise growth
- Regional sponsorships
- Broadcast-friendly matches
Multan isn’t a rebuilding franchise — it’s a ready-made powerhouse
👥 Who Could Bid for Multan Sultans?
Potential bidders may include:
- Existing PSL stakeholders looking to expand
- Real estate conglomerates
- Corporate groups inspired by Hyderabad & Sialkot deals
- Overseas investors targeting South Asian cricket markets
Given recent prices:
- Multan could exceed Rs2 billion annually
- May become the most expensive PSL franchise ever
🧠 Governance Shift: What PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Said
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed:
“Multan Sultans will be operated by the PCB this year. Once the PSL concludes, we will carry out the auction and put the franchise up for sale.”
He further added:
- Interim management will be appointed
- A professional cricketer will oversee operations
- Stability is the top priority for PSL 11
🏗️ Interim Management: Why It Matters
PCB’s interim setup aims to:
- Avoid disruption to team culture
- Ensure player contracts remain stable
- Maintain competitive integrity
- Protect brand value before auction
This is crucial — poor management could devalue the franchise.
How Multan performs in PSL 11 will directly impact its auction price
🌐 Bigger Picture: PSL’s Commercial Evolution
From 2016 to now:
- Started with 5 teams
- Expanded to 6 in 2018
- Now moving to 8 teams in PSL 11
Each expansion:
- Increased broadcast value
- Expanded fan geography
- Strengthened league credibility
The Multan auction could:
- Set the benchmark for future PSL sales
- Redefine revenue-sharing models
- Influence how PCB structures ownership agreements
🏆 What This Means for PSL’s Future
If Multan sells at a premium:
- PCB revenue increases significantly
- Player salaries could rise
- Infrastructure investment improves
- PSL’s global standing strengthens
🧠 Cricketory Final Analysis: A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking
The PCB is standing at a rare intersection:
- Strong market confidence
- Proven franchise asset
- League expansion momentum
Auctioning Multan Sultans now, not later, is a strategic masterstroke — provided it’s executed transparently and professionally.
This isn’t about replacing an owner.
It’s about unlocking PSL’s next financial era.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why is PCB auctioning Multan Sultans?
A: Due to ownership exit, strong franchise valuations, and strategic financial benefits.
❓ Will PCB run Multan Sultans in PSL 11?
A: Yes, PCB will operate the team for PSL 11 before auctioning it.
❓ When will the auction take place?
A: Likely after PSL 11, potentially earlier than 2027.
❓ How much could Multan Sultans sell for?
A: Possibly over Rs2 billion annually, based on recent valuations.
❓ Who owned Multan Sultans previously?
A: Ali Tareen, after the franchise was originally awarded to the Schon Group.
🏁 Final Verdict: Multan Sultans Are About to Define PSL’s Future
Multan Sultans began as a bold experiment.
They now stand as PSL’s most valuable chess piece.
Whether the PCB auctions them immediately or after PSL 11, one thing is clear:
👉 This sale will shape the Pakistan Super League for the next decade.
And when the hammer finally falls, it won’t just be a franchise changing hands —
it will be a statement of how far PSL has come.