KARACHI: The Multan Sultans sale is poised to generate more than Rs2 billion for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the board advances with the auction of the PSL franchise. Following the successful sales of new teams Hyderabad (Rs1.75 billion) and Sialkot (Rs1.85 billion), strong investor interest—including from former owner Ali Tareen—has driven expectations higher, with technical bids submitted by January 30, 2026, and the final auction likely before the PSL player auction on February 11.
According to sources, several foreign investors have already shown strong interest in the franchise, even before the bidding process begins. The former owner of Multan Sultans has also expressed a desire to reclaim ownership by participating in the auction.
Reports reveal that the previous ownership contract was not renewed due to differences between the PCB and the franchise holder. Initially, the PCB had announced it would manage the team for the upcoming 11th edition of the PSL. However, after successfully selling two new franchises at premium prices, the board decided to proceed with an open auction instead.
Recently, the Hyderabad franchise was sold for Rs1.75 billion, while Sialkot secured a deal worth Rs1.85 billion in annual franchise fees. Following this, the PCB advertised the sale of Multan Sultans, with the deadline for technical bid submissions set for Friday.
Sources say at least two companies are prepared to offer up to Rs2 billion for the team, though the final outcome will depend on the auction results. The former owner, who had previously shown interest in bidding for new franchises, cleared outstanding dues after being informed by the PCB that failure to do so would lead to disqualification.
It was also revealed that the former owner approached a senior PCB official, requesting that the team be returned to him at a revised valuation of Rs1.35 billion, claiming prior ownership rights. The PCB, however, maintained that the only way to regain the franchise would be by submitting the highest bid in the auction.
The new owner of Multan Sultans is expected to be announced within the next few days. Previously, the annual franchise fee for the team stood at approximately Rs1.08 billion.