Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday announced that the board will operate Multan Sultans for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with plans to auction the franchise after the conclusion of the tournament.
The decision comes a month after former co-owner Ali Tareen said he was stepping away from the franchise following strained relations with the PCB over the past year.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi confirmed that the PCB would manage the franchise for the upcoming season, adding that the sale process would begin once PSL 11 concludes. Multan Sultans were initially awarded as the sixth PSL franchise to the Schon Group under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the most expensive team at the time.
However, the PCB terminated the contract after the inaugural season due to non-payment of franchise fees. In 2018, Alamgir Tareen and his nephew Ali Tareen acquired the franchise for $6.3 million.
Naqvi also revealed that the PCB is considering advancing the start of PSL 11. “We want to begin the PSL from March 23 instead of March 26,” he said, noting that a final decision would be taken after consultations with all franchises. He further announced that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador for the upcoming edition.
On league expansion, Naqvi confirmed that bidding for two new PSL teams will take place on January 8 in Islamabad. He said ten parties have qualified for the second round of the auction, a move that will expand the league from six to eight teams. The PCB confirmed earlier that its bid committee had shortlisted 10 bidders.
Commenting on India-related cricket matters, Naqvi said all engagements would be handled on an equal footing. He also disclosed plans to raise concerns over the conduct of India’s Under-19 team with the ICC. On team management, he said a decision on the red-ball head coach was still under review.
