The Pakistan Cricket Board will run the Multan Sultans franchise on its own for the PSL 2026 season instead of selling it to a new owner before the tournament.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision during a press conference. He said the board will appoint former cricketers and experienced professionals to manage the franchise for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League. After the season ends, the PCB will put the franchise up for sale.
Naqvi said the board plans to appoint an acting head for Multan Sultans within the next eight to ten days. He added that the franchise will be auctioned immediately after the PSL concludes.
The PCB decided not to sell Multan Sultans alongside the two new PSL franchises, which will go under the hammer in Islamabad on January 8. Naqvi explained that league rules require franchise sales to be announced well in advance. With the PSL scheduled to begin in late March, he said there was not enough time left to complete an independent sale of Multan Sultans.
Former owner Ali Tareen announced last month that he was stepping away from the franchise. His decision followed a public dispute with PSL management, whom he accused of lacking ambition and transparency.
In response, the PCB issued a legal notice to Tareen, accusing him of breaching his ownership agreement and demanding a public apology. Tareen replied with a sarcastic video apology and tore up the notice at the end of the clip.
In the weeks that followed, Tareen remained excluded from discussions related to the upcoming PSL season. The PCB did not send him a renewal offer, making him the only owner in that position. Tareen later said the franchise received no response from the PCB or PSL management and warned of legal action.
Tareen’s ownership officially ends on December 31. This situation raised the possibility of the PCB needing buyers for three teams instead of two. However, Naqvi suggested Tareen could still return by bidding for one of the new franchises. He praised Tareen for the work he had done with Multan Sultans and said the PCB would welcome his participation in the auction.
The PCB running a PSL franchise directly marks a first in the league’s history. No other major T20 league has seen a similar arrangement. Naqvi said more details about the management structure of Multan Sultans will be shared later.
Naqvi also hinted at a possible change in the PSL schedule. The league currently plans to run from March 26 to May 3, but he said the PCB hopes to start the tournament on March 23. The date marks Pakistan Day, a national public holiday.
The PCB chairman also confirmed that former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram will serve as the PSL brand ambassador. Akram has previously worked with Islamabad United in coaching and mentoring roles.
Naqvi also commented on the recent Under 19 Asia Cup final between Pakistan and India in Dubai. Pakistan won the match by 191 runs. The game featured tense moments, and the players did not shake hands after the match.
Naqvi said Pakistan had no issue if India chose not to shake hands, but added that both sides should treat each other on equal terms.