PSL 11th edition: Why will PCB run Multan Sultans

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take over the operations of Multan Sultans for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following the decision of franchise owner Ali Tareen not to renew his ownership contract, officials have confirmed.

Ali Tareen recently announced his departure from Multan Sultans, bringing an end to his seven-year association with the franchise. In a message shared on social media, Tareen announced his departure from the team, stating that differences with PSL management and other franchise owners contributed to his decision.

“I would rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees,” Tareen wrote, in what appeared to be a pointed reference to unresolved issues within the league’s governance structure.

Tareen described owning Multan Sultans as one of the greatest honours of his life, highlighting his emotional connection to the team and its representation of South Punjab, a cause he said was especially close to his late uncle Alamgir Tareen. He said the franchise was built on a fighting spirit, reminding players each season that fans could forgive defeat, but never a lack of effort.

Despite acknowledging financial losses over the years, Tareen said stepping away was never about money. Instead, he emphasised that remaining with the franchise would have required compromising on principles he was unwilling to abandon.

With Tareen’s exit, the PCB has stepped in to ensure continuity and stability ahead of PSL 11. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the board will run Multan Sultans for the upcoming season as a temporary arrangement, with plans to auction the franchise after the tournament concludes.

The move enables the PSL to proceed without disruption while the PCB finalises its long-term ownership plans. The board has already announced that ten parties have qualified to bid for two new PSL teams, and the sale process is expected to reshape the league’s franchise structure.

Tareen, meanwhile, has urged fans to continue supporting the team regardless of ownership. “This team has always been much more than its owner. It belongs to the people of South Punjab,” he said, adding that he would remain in the stands as a supporter.

As PSL 11 draws closer, the PCB’s takeover of Multan Sultans underscores its effort to maintain league stability during a transitional phase, while keeping the door open for new investors and future expansion.