PCB to Run Multan Sultans for PSL 2026, Franchise to Be Auctioned After Season

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take over the operations of the Multan Sultans franchise for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season, with plans to auction the team after the conclusion of the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board would manage the franchise internally for the league’s 11th season. Former cricketers and professional experts will be appointed to oversee the franchise’s day-to-day operations, with an acting head expected to be named within the next eight to ten days.

“As soon as the PSL ends, we will auction the franchise off,” Naqvi said.

Naqvi explained that Multan Sultans could not be sold alongside the two new PSL franchises scheduled to be auctioned publicly in Islamabad on January 8. According to league regulations, franchise sales must be announced a specified period before an auction, and with the PSL set to begin in late March, there was insufficient time to complete an independent sale.

The development follows the departure of former owner Ali Tareen, who announced last month that he was stepping away from the franchise. His exit came after a prolonged and public dispute with PSL management, whom he accused of lacking transparency and ambition.

In response to Tareen’s remarks, the PCB issued a legal notice accusing him of breaching his ownership contract and demanding a public apology. Tareen responded with a sarcastic video apology that ended with him tearing up the notice. In the weeks that followed, he was excluded from key discussions ahead of the new season and was the only franchise owner not to receive a renewal offer letter. Tareen later claimed that repeated attempts to contact the PCB chairman and PSL management went unanswered, prompting him to threaten legal action.

Tareen’s ownership of Multan Sultans officially ends on December 31. Had the PCB not stepped in, the board would have been required to find buyers for three franchises instead of two. However, Naqvi suggested that the relationship may not be beyond repair and indicated that Tareen would be welcome to bid for one of the new franchises.

“Ali has done a lot of work for Multan Sultans,” Naqvi said. “Unfortunately, what happened was an issue I don’t want to discuss. But we would absolutely welcome him back if he wants to buy a new team.”

The PCB’s direct management of a PSL franchise is unprecedented and has no clear parallel in other major T20 leagues. Further details about the interim management structure of Multan Sultans are expected to be announced in due course.

PSL Schedule Update and Wasim Akram Appointment

Naqvi also revealed that the start date of PSL 2026 may be brought forward. While the tournament was initially scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, the PCB is considering a March 23 start to coincide with Pakistan Day, a national public holiday.

Additionally, former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador. Akram has previously served in coaching and mentorship roles with Islamabad United.

Naqvi also commented on the conduct of India’s Under-19 team during the recent Asia Cup final in Dubai, which Pakistan won by 191 runs. The match featured tense moments, and no handshakes took place between the two teams.

“If India don’t want to shake hands with us, that is not a problem,” Naqvi said. “But whatever happens between the two sides will happen on the basis of equality.”