"The franchise will be auctioned."
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to auction the Multan Sultans franchise after recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) valuations surged.
Sources indicate the board’s confidence has been boosted by record-breaking bids achieved for the two new teams.
In December 2025, the PCB confirmed it would assume control following the expiry of the existing ownership agreement.
Former owner Ali Tareen stepped away at the end of December after relations reportedly deteriorated beyond repair.
Initially, the board planned to operate the franchise for one season before offering it for sale in 2027.
That temporary arrangement was expected to reduce expenses by avoiding central revenue and sponsorship funding contributions.
However, an audit suggested the PCB would simultaneously lose the substantial annual franchise fee during the takeover.
Multan Sultans had previously generated one of the league’s highest payments under a landmark ownership agreement.
The franchise was originally awarded to the Schon Group for a then-record valuation deal globally.
That agreement made Multan the most expensive team at the time, surpassing other established sides significantly.
Momentum shifted again after Hyderabad and Sialkot were sold for unprecedented sums during a recent auction.
Those sales expanded the Pakistan Super League to eight teams ahead of its eleventh season officially.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi later confirmed the board will manage Multan Sultans for the upcoming edition.
“Multan Sultans will be operated by the PCB this year.
“After the PSL concludes, the franchise will be auctioned.”
He added that an interim management framework would be announced to ensure competitive continuity throughout the tournament.
The decision reflects growing confidence in the league’s commercial strength and long-term sustainability nationwide and internationally.
PSL has steadily expanded since its 2016 launch, starting with five teams nationwide initially.
It later grew to six franchises before further expansion plans gained traction within cricket circles globally.
Strong investor interest from domestic and international markets has reshaped the league’s financial outlook significantly recently.
With Multan Sultans expected to return to private ownership, expectations around valuation remain high among stakeholders.
Observers believe the auction could redefine benchmarks for franchise ownership within regional cricket leagues going forward.
For the PCB, the process represents both a financial opportunity and a strategic turning point ahead.
All eyes will now be on how the board navigates the transition after the season concludes.
The outcome is likely to influence future expansion decisions and long-term governance models within PSL.
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