The Pakistan Cricket Board is preparing to take over Multan Sultans. This will happen after the current ownership deal expires. Official sources have confirmed the development. The transition is expected to begin in 2026.
According to sources, the existing agreement will end on December 31, 2025. After that, the PCB will temporarily manage the franchise. This arrangement will last for one year. The team will then be auctioned to a new owner in 2027.
PCB’s One-Year Management Plan Explained
PCB sources say a formal policy decision is expected soon. It may be announced within a week. Under the proposed plan, the board will directly run Multan Sultans for the 2026 season.
During this one-year period, the PCB will handle operations. This includes team management, sponsorships, and league participation. The aim is to ensure continuity and stability before a new owner steps in.
Financially, the plan has both benefits and drawbacks. Sources say the PCB could save around $4 million during the year. This saving comes from not paying $3 million from the central revenue pool. An additional $1 million in sponsorship funding would also be saved.
However, there is a downside as well. An audit firm’s report notes that the PCB would not receive the annual franchise fee. That fee currently stands at $8.5 million. This means the board would forgo a significant amount in direct income.
Despite this, officials believe the temporary takeover is manageable. They see it as a short-term adjustment. The long-term goal remains a transparent auction and new ownership.
Strained Relations Lead to Ownership Exit
The move follows the decision by current owner Ali Tareen to step away. In November, he announced on social media that he was parting ways with the franchise. This announcement surprised many fans.
Sources say relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had been tense for some time. Disagreements reportedly continued over the past year. Eventually, the situation reached a breaking point.
While the team performed well on the field, off-field issues persisted. These unresolved differences are believed to have influenced the final decision. As a result, a transition in ownership became inevitable.
A Look Back at Multan Sultans’ Journey
Multan Sultans joined the PSL as the sixth team. Initially, the franchise was awarded to the Schon Group. The deal was worth $5.2 million. At the time, it was the most expensive PSL franchise.
Interestingly, this price was double that of Karachi Kings. Karachi Kings were acquired for $2.6 million. However, after the first season, the Schon Group reportedly found the deal unsustainable.
When franchise payments were not made, the PCB terminated the agreement. This led to a new chapter for the team.
In December 2018, Alamgir Tareen and his nephew Ali Tareen acquired Multan Sultans. The deal was worth $6.3 million. Under their ownership, the team became one of the strongest sides in the league.
Multan Sultans consistently performed well. They built a loyal fan base. Despite on-field success, administrative differences remained.
Now, with the PCB stepping in temporarily, another chapter is about to begin. Fans will be watching closely. The future auction in 2027 is expected to attract strong interest.
