PCB Invites Bids for Multan Sultans Franchise Rights as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally puts the formerly ownerless franchise up for auction. This move comes after the previous owner, Ali Tareen, stepped away last month. The franchise is now seeking new ownership ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The Multan Sultans franchise became vacant in November when the PCB did not extend a renewal offer to its owner, Ali Tareen. The national board subsequently announced its intention to manage the team for the 11th edition of the PSL, scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3. SindhNews.com learned that the technical proposal deadline for bids has been set for January 30, 2026, at 3 pm.
An Opportunity for Prospective Investors
In a public advertisement, the PCB highlighted the significance of this bidding process, stating it is “presenting an opportunity for prospective investors to participate in the new era of HBL PSL.” The board aims to attract investors looking to capitalize on the established presence of the Multan Sultans.
“Having been an integral part of the HBL PSL since its third edition in 2018, Multan already enjoys an established presence and following within the HBL PSL,” the advertisement detailed. It further emphasizes the potential for investors to “build on its legacy and take team Multan to unprecedented heights in the HBL PSL,” according to a SindhNews.com report.
Context of Franchise Expansion
This invitation for bids follows the recent addition of two new franchises to the league. OZ Developers secured the Sialkot franchise with a significant bid of Rs1.85 billion, while the FKS Group acquired the Hyderabad franchise for Rs1.75 billion during the league’s auction last week. These moves signal a growing interest and investment in the HBL PSL.
Previously, other cities like Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalpindi were considered for potential franchise allocation. The current lineup of PSL teams includes established franchises such as Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and now, the potentially newly-owned Multan Sultans.
Ali Tareen, the former owner, expressed his vision for the team, stating on social media platform X, “Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about south Punjab.” He articulated that the franchise aimed to “giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long. That’s what drove everything we built.”
Conclusion: The PCB’s decision to invite bids for the Multan Sultans franchise marks a new chapter for the team and the HBL PSL. This strategic move is expected to bring new investment and energy to the league, while also reinforcing the importance of regional representation in professional sports, as highlighted by the former owner. The outcome of the bidding process will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts and potential investors alike.