Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the board will operate Multan Sultans during the upcoming season. They plan to auction the franchise after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League 11.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Naqvi said the decision followed recent developments. These involved the franchise’s ownership. He confirmed that the PCB would oversee team operations this year. They plan to auction the franchise at the end of the season.
The announcement comes a month after former co-owner Ali Tareen said he was stepping away from the Sultans. He cited strained relations with the board over the past year.
Multan Sultans were initially awarded as the sixth PSL franchise to the Schon Group. This was under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the league’s most expensive team at the time. However, the PCB terminated the deal after the inaugural season due to non-payment of franchise fees. In 2018, the franchise was acquired by Alamgir Tareen and his nephew Ali Tareen for $6.3 million.
A bit late, but honestly glad that things are settling down 🙏🏼
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) December 28, 2025Naqvi also said the PCB aims to start the next PSL season earlier than scheduled. He noted that the board wants to begin the tournament on March 23, rather than March 26. A final decision is pending consultations with all franchises.
The PCB chairman confirmed that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador. This appointment is ahead of the new edition.
On league expansion, Naqvi said bidding for two new PSL teams will take place on January 8 in Islamabad. He described the day as significant for the league and expressed confidence that the franchises would attract strong interest. He added that ten parties have qualified for the second round of bidding.
Watch the full podcast: https://t.co/qdvbZiI9T0 pic.twitter.com/kMG2U1m3nu
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) December 28, 2025The PCB had earlier confirmed that its bid committee had shortlisted 10 bidders to compete for ownership rights. These are to the two additional teams. The PSL, which launched in 2016 with five franchises and expanded to six in 2018, is set to grow to eight teams. This will be from its 11th edition next year. The move marks the league’s first major restructuring in seven years.
Read: Ali Tareen Slams PCB Over PSL 2025’s Declining Fan Interest
Addressing cricket-related issues with India, Naqvi said the PCB would respond on equal terms to any developments. He added that if India chose not to engage in customary gestures, Pakistan would not insist either. Naqvi also said the PCB plans to raise concerns about the conduct of India’s Under-19 team with the International Cricket Council.
On team management, Naqvi said the PCB has not yet made a final decision on appointing a head coach for the red-ball team. He added that a dedicated committee is reviewing the matter.
