The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to take control of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans in 2026 after the current ownership agreement expires on December 31, 2025, official sources have confirmed.
According to PCB sources, a policy decision on the matter is expected within a week. Under the proposed plan, the PCB will manage Multan Sultans for one year before handing over the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027.
If implemented, the arrangement would save the PCB approximately $4 million for that year, as it would not be required to pay $3 million from the central revenue pool or an additional $1 million in sponsorship funds.
However, an audit firm’s report has noted that the PCB would also forgo the franchise fee for that year, which stands at $8.5 million.
In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced on social media that he was parting ways with the PSL franchise. Sources indicate that relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had remained strained over the past year, eventually reaching a point of no return.
Multan Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time. This amount was double the price paid for Karachi Kings, which was acquired for $2.6 million.
However, after the inaugural PSL season, the Schon Group reportedly realized that the deal was not financially viable. When franchise payments were not made, the PCB terminated the agreement.
In December 2018, Alamgir Tareen, along with his nephew Ali Tareen, acquired the franchise for $6.3 million. Since then, Multan Sultans have emerged as one of the most competitive teams in the PSL.