The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is holding discussions with several financial and corporate entities to take over the ownership of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans, following allegations of financial irregularities and a public fallout with team owner Ali Tareen.
The move comes in the wake of Tareen’s controversial social media video posted on Thursday, where he apologised to the PCB but accompanied his apology with sarcastic remarks and theatrics that worsened tensions rather than easing them.
The PCB is irked by the video and Tareen’s act of tearing up the notice in it. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is personally handling the issue and has already begun negotiations with three financial houses to take over not just Multan Sultans but also two upcoming teams.
Global Interest in PSL Ownership
According to sources, companies from South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom have expressed interest in PSL ownership.
One company from the US has Indian ownership, which could make the deal complicated given the current political relationship between the two countries.
The PCB’s legal department is now reviewing options for recovering dues from the Tareen Group and assessing the process for reassigning ownership rights.
Two New Teams Likely for PSL 2026
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed plans to expand the PSL from eight to ten teams in the 11th edition next year.
We have Khairpur, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and Sialkot under consideration, and two will be finalised very soon.
The addition of two new franchises is expected to further boost the league’s commercial value and reach.
PSL Valuation Completed for Next Decade
A top chartered accounting firm has completed a comprehensive valuation of the PSL for the next ten years, offering detailed recommendations to streamline financial dealings and improve transparency.
The valuation firm has advised that all future PSL transactions should be conducted in Pakistani rupees instead of US dollars, to minimise risks from currency fluctuations.
Existing franchises will be given the first right of refusal to renew their rights for another ten years, provided they agree to a 25% increase in franchise value. If a franchise declines, the slot will be opened for public bidding.
A Crucial Turning Point for the League
The situation marks one of the most significant crossroads in the PSL’s history — with ownership restructuring, financial reform, and league expansion all converging in a short span. While Multan Sultans’ future hangs in the balance, PCB’s swift manoeuvring suggests a clear intention: to restore financial integrity and strengthen the league’s global standing ahead of its next era.
