Tag: Multan Sultans

Multan Sultans are officially returning to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of the 2026 season, following a major franchise reshuffle.

Sialkot Stallionz owner Hamza Majeed and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer confirmed the return during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday. 

CD Ventures CEO Gohar Shah, who will lead the Multan franchise, was also present.

“I am so happy that South Punjab representation is back in the league,” Gohar Shah said.

The PSL CEO confirmed that the franchise price, previously set at 185 billion rupees, has now increased to 200 billion rupees.

When asked about Gohar Shah’s role in the franchise and ownership, Hamza Majeed did not clarify the exact stake CD Ventures will hold but confirmed that Gohar Shah will have full authority over the team.

CD Ventures had formally requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rename the newly established Sialkot Stallionz franchise as Multan Sultans.

The move follows reports that OZ Group, the original buyer of the newly-launched PSL franchise, ran into financial difficulties and sold the team before it even played its first match. 

The franchise was originally purchased at auction on January 8 for PKR 1.85 billion and had been renamed Sialkot Stallionz.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially opened bidding for the rights to the Multan Sultans franchise, inviting interested parties to acquire one of the most established teams of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

PCB announced the opportunity through a newspaper advertisement, inviting proposals from prospective investors who wish to acquire the franchise rights for Multan.

The deadline for submission of technical proposals is January 30 at 3:00 pm, with the opening scheduled for 3:30 pm on the same day. Only technically qualified bidders will advance to the next stage of the process.

The move comes shortly after PCB successfully auctioned two new PSL franchises on January 8. 

The Kingsmen Group (FKS) secured the Hyderabad franchise for PKR 1.75 billion, while OZ Developers acquired the Sialkot franchise for a record PKR 1.85 billion at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

Ten bidders initially registered for that auction, though the Ali Tareen Group withdrew just before bidding began, leaving nine groups to compete for the two spots.

The eleventh edition of PSL will feature eight teams for the first time, with Hyderabad and Sialkot joining the existing lineup alongside Multan.

PCB highlighted Multan’s established presence in the league since the tournament’s third edition in 2018, describing it as “a compelling opportunity for investors to build on its legacy and take team Multan to unprecedented heights.”

According to the PCB, prospective bidders can obtain detailed bid documents from the board ahead of the January 30 deadline.

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has stepped away from the franchise, saying he cannot continue if it means compromising his principles. 

“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I love the fans, I love this team, and I absolutely love being able to represent South Punjab. Something my late uncle Alamgir Tareen was especially proud of,” Tareen wrote in a heartfelt social media note to fans.

He said he always reminded players and staff that south Punjab represented hard work and resilience. “The fans will forgive you if you lose, but they will never forgive you if you stop fighting.”

He explained that financial losses never pushed him to quit. “The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. And I have always been willing to go as far as needed to protect it.”

Tareen added, “I have always spoken my mind. I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. If staying means compromising those principles there is only one choice I can make.”

His parting words summed up the decision, “I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye.”

The last PSL franchise agreements have officially ended after the 10th season, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now renewing contracts for Season 11 with the addition of two new teams.

Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, and Quetta Gladiators have accepted PCB’s new proposal and will continue with the same owners.

Multan Sultans, on the other hand, seems to be at loggerheads with the PCB, as the two sides also earlier engaged in a public feud.

Multan Sultans have officially proposed in detail a set of reforms to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging structural changes to make the Pakistan Super League (PSL) more professional, inclusive and globally competitive.

In a letter addressed to the PCB chairman, the franchise said it was the right time to strengthen the league’s foundation, restore trust and build a professional system that allows the PSL to reach its full potential.

The proposed reforms include representation of franchises on PSL committees and working groups so policies reflect the league’s collective experience across scheduling, recruitment, ticketing, marketing and match-day operations, the establishment of a structured way for franchises to add value to each part of the PSL’s planning and implementation, and structured hiring for key PSL roles that would include vetting of candidates and input prior to selection for merit-based recruitment and professional standards.

Even though tearing the notice was quite satisfying, it’s time to move forward.

In recognition of the PSL as a national asset, we’re putting grievances aside and aiming for a fresh relationship with the board. One built on transparency, cooperation and trust.

To that end, I’ve… pic.twitter.com/NEc3PJzez4

— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) October 28, 2025

Among other proposed reforms are a professional management structure with defined departments for operations, marketing, fan engagement, player affairs and finance, led by a qualified executive team, regular reporting to franchises with monthly meetings on fixed dates with agendas circulated in advance, minutes recorded and shared, and action points tracked across finances, operations, marketing, ticketing, player affairs and fan engagement.

This, Sultans said, would increase accountability and collaboration as the proposal emphasises partnership over control and aligns all stakeholders around the shared goal of building a globally respected league for Pakistan and its fans.

It may be noted that the proposal comes days after a heated controversy between Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen and the PCB. A viral video statement showed Tareen publicly tearing up a legal notice sent by the board, accusing him of damaging the PSL’s reputation through interviews and social media remarks.

Tareen hit back saying he would not stay silent in the face of threats and only wanted transparency and professionalism in the league’s management. He went on to sarcastically “apologise” for “demanding capable people in PSL management, better training facilities and fair drafting procedures”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a notice of termination to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans for violating contractual terms.

According to media reports, Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen has repeatedly criticised the PSL setup and a senior official through podcasts and social media, questioning the league’s structure. The PCB had remained silent for some time, which led to speculation about why the board was not taking any action. However, it now appears that the board has run out of patience.

Reports confirmed that a notice of termination has been sent to the franchise. If the dispute remains unresolved, Multan Sultans could feature in the eleventh edition of the PSL under new ownership.

The PCB had hired a foreign company to assess the current market value of franchise rights after the initial ten-year agreements ended. The evaluation process is in its final stages. The board is also reviewing whether all franchises have complied with their contractual obligations before deciding its next course of action.

Multan Sultans is the most expensive franchise in the PSL, paying around Rs 1.25 billion annually. The team has faced heavy financial losses each season, and its owners have been demanding structural changes in the league.

Under the existing agreement, the PCB cannot reduce the franchise fee for a single team, as doing so could affect the league’s credibility and the sale of two new teams in the future.

If the termination becomes final, the current owners of Multan Sultans will not be allowed to bid for any new franchise.

Multan Sultans joined the PSL in 2017 as the sixth team of the league. Schon Properties initially purchased the franchise under an eight-year contract, but the PCB terminated the deal a year later due to non-payment of the annual fee.

The board temporarily took control of the team’s contracts and later invited new bids for ownership. In December 2018, Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen acquired the rights to the team. Alamgir became the sole owner in 2021, and after his death in 2023, Ali Tareen resumed management of the franchise.

The eleventh edition of the PSL will not take place on its traditional dates due to the ICC T20 World Cup. The tournament is expected to be held in April or May 2026, which could again clash with the IPL schedule.

In the Qualifier of Pakistan Super League 9, Multan Sultans defeats Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wicket in National Stadium Karachi. Multan Sultans have also qualified for the PSL finals for fourth consecutive time.

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat.

Peshawar Zalmi inning

Peshawar Zalmi start was not good, Saim Ayub scored only one run and was dismissed by David Willey in first over. After that Muhammad Haris and Babar Azam scored a partnership of 47 runs but Muhammad Ali dismissed Haris on 22 runs. Apart from this Zalmi skipper Babar Azam scored 46 runs, Tom Kohler Cadmore scored 24, Rovman Powell scored 12 while Paul Wallter and Luke Wood scored 14 runs each.

From Multan Sultans Usama Mir and Chris Jordan took two wickets each, David Willy, Muhammad Ali and Abbas Afridi also took one wicket each.

Multan Sultans inning

Chasing the target of 147, Sultans opener took a very good start by putting 61 runs on the board for first wicket. Multan lost their first wicket as Muhammad Rizwan was dismissed by Mehran Mumtaz on 15 runs. Apart from this Yasir Khan scored 54 runs, Usman Khan 36, Iftikhar Ahmed 22 and Johnson Charles scored 11 runs.

From Zalmi Mehran Mumtaz, Aamir Jamal and Salman Irshad took one wicket each.

In the fifth match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Multan Sultans defeated Islamabad United by 5 wickets in a thriller.

Multan Sultans captain Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to field first.

Islamabad United’s innings

On behalf of Islamabad United, Agha Salman scored 52 runs and Jordan Cox scored 41 runs. Apart from this, Azam Khan scored 13 runs, Shadab Khan 11, Colin Munro 8, Alex Hales 2, Nasim Shah 2 while Imad Wasim Safar, Faheem Ashraf scored one run each.

The whole team could score 144 runs in 20 overs.

For Multan Sultans, Muhammad Ali and Abbas Afridi took 3 wickets each, Usama Mir took 2 wickets and David Wiley dismissed one player.

Multan Sultan’s inning

From Multan Sultan’s Captain Rizwan scored 43 runs, Reza Handricks scored 58 runs and Iftikhar Ahmed scored 18 runs. Multan acheived the target in 19.5 overs.

From Islamabad Nasim Shah took 2 wickets, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Tymil Mills took one wicket each.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans is in the game with massive collaborations for PSL season 9. Multan has partnered with KTrade as an investment partner and Raiment 61 as official partner (Clothing Brand) for the ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League.

On Wednesday, KTrade, a leading stock trading platform, formerly known as KASB, joined Multan Sultans as the official investment partner for the HBL Pakistan Super League season 9.

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A post shared by Multan Sultans (@multansultans)

On this occasion Multan Sultan’s General Manager Hijab Zahid said, “We are extremely delighted to have KTrade on board. To have a respected stock brokerage firm in KTrade collaborating with us is a testimony of how popular Multan Sultans as a franchise is. Through this partnership, cricket is tapping into a new industry in Pakistan, which will prove to be beneficial for the game and the stock and commodity brokerage industry.

KTrade Securities Chairperson Ali Farid Khwaja said, “We are proud of our association with the Multan Sultans. They punch beyond their weight through passion and energy, which is the feat of a true champion. Their cricket is not only about the game on the field but about social and community development of a region which has deep historical value and entrepreneurial energy.”

Today, Pakistan’s Raiment 61 (Clothing Brand) joined Multan Sultans. The franchise’s contingent will wear Raiment 61 trousers during their team dinners, travels, and other activities in the ninth edition of Pakistan Super League.

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A post shared by Multan Sultans (@multansultans)

Multan Sultans General Manager Hijab Zahid said “We are thrilled to be partnering with Raiment 61. I am sure our players, coaches, and management will look classy in these especially designed pants.

“What makes us proud to be having Raiment 61 on board with us are the strong ethical values that these manufacturers hold. Whether it is the sustainability initiatives or steps towards gender-inclusivity, Kehkeshan Usman, Raiment 61’s chief operating officer, and her team have been at the forefront.”

Raiment 61 Co-Founders Saba and Anees Khawaja said “With our strong roots in the city of Multan, we are delighted to be partnering with Multan Sultans. This has always been our team. It gives every person of this region a great pleasure to see how much this young team has achieved in short time both on and off the field and we are very excited for the upcoming edition.”

“We are looking forward to working with this young and dynamic team.”

Anees Khawaja further said, “I have known Ali Khan Tareen, the owner and chief executive of Multan Sultans, for a long time, and I have great admiration for the work he has done and continues to do for the uplifting of the region of South Punjab. Seeing how Multan Sultans are taking a lead in providing equal opportunities in administration and coaching side of the things is very heartening and perfectly aligns with our vision.”

Multan Sultans will begin their HBL PSL 9 campaign on 18 February against Karachi Kings at the Sultans Fort (Multan Cricket Stadium).

Pakistan Super League’s one of the most successful franchise Multan Sultan has joined Pakistan’s first digital news platform ‘The Current’ as Digital Media Partner for PSL season 9.

Now Multan’s fans will be able to see behind-the-scenes content through The Current.

The MOU signing ceremony takes place at The Current’s headquarters in Lahore.

Multan Sultans General Manager Hijab Zahid: “We are delighted to have The Current as our Digital Media Partner. Over the years, The Current has established itself as a credible and respected platform through its unique and innovative news coverage, and considering how Multan Sultans, as a team, has been at the forefront of innovation on and off the field, this is a perfect partnership.

“I am sure the Multan Sultans and Pakistan cricket fans will enjoy The Current’s content during the HBL PSL.”

The Current Founder Marium Chaudhry: “The presence of Multan Sultans has modernised the brand of the HBL PSL as they have undertaken exemplary inclusivity initiatives and perfectly blended the use of data and analytics on the field. We are huge Multan Sultans fans and are looking forward to be their digital media partners, cheering them on as they ace to win this year’s HBL PSL cup.