• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Pcb Takes Biggest U Turn For Psl 2026 Multan Sultans To Be Sold To

PCB takes biggest U-Turn for PSL 2026, Multan Sultans to be sold to..

Akshita Patel

Multan Sultans to get new owners soon [Source: @TsMeSalman, @abubakarmemer/X.com]Multan Sultans to get new owners soon [Source: @TsMeSalman, @abubakarmemer/X.com]

In a rather intriguing turn of events, the PCB has issued a tender for the sale of Multan Sultans before the start of PSL 2026 due to high demand. This is quite the change from their original plan to run the franchise for the 2026 season and then selling it. 

Only weeks ago, the PCB had publicly stated that it would take over Multan Sultans’ operations for PSL 11 following Ali Tareen’s exit, with plans to auction the franchise after the season. 

However, the unexpectedly high bids for the new teams and growing interest from both local and foreign investors have prompted the board to fast-track the process.

Multan Sultans back on the market 

According to journalist Sohail Imran, the PCB has been encouraged by the strong response to the recent sale of the two new PSL franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot for $13 million combined. And they now believe the timing is right to cash in on rising investor interest 

The board is reportedly preparing to issue an advertisement inviting bids for Multan Sultans in the coming days. The sale will follow the same open bidding process used for Hyderabad and Sialkot. 

With momentum building around the league and eight teams now set to feature in PSL 11, the PCB believes delaying the sale could mean missing out on peak market value.  

Though an auction date is yet to be decided, Sultans are most likely to get new owners ahead of the crucial 2026 PSL season.

Ali Tareen’s fallout with PCB left Multan without an owner

Multan Sultans were left without ownership after Ali Tareen decided not to renew his contract with the PCB, ending his seven-year association with the franchise. 

Tareen had cited serious differences with the board and PSL management, as well as what he described as unfair treatment compared to other franchise owners.

In public statements, Tareen said his decision was based on principles rather than money and stressed that the Multan Sultans was a symbol of South Punjab, not just a business venture. 

Following his exit, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board would temporarily run the franchise to ensure stability ahead of PSL 11. 

At that time, the plan was to sell Multan Sultans after the 2026 season. The latest development, however, shows a change in strategy driven by commercial considerations.

Will Ali Tareen return to bid for Multan Sultans?

One of the key questions surrounding the upcoming auction is whether Ali Tareen will re-enter the race to regain ownership of Multan Sultans. 

Earlier this week, Tareen pulled out of the auction process for the new PSL teams, stating clearly that he would only fight to own a franchise representing South Punjab. 

His statement has kept the door open for a possible return, but that will depend on the PCB’s approach, valuation, and whether past issues have been addressed. 

Ali Tareen has maintained that his commitment is to the region rather than the league expansion, which could make Multan the only franchise he seriously considers. 

With record prices fetched by Hyderabad and Sialkot and foreign investors now showing interest in the PSL, competition for Multan Sultans is expected to be strong.