PCB set to take control of Multan Sultans after ownership agreement expires

(WEB DESK) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to take over the management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans in 2026, following the expiry of the current ownership contract on December 31, 2025, according to official sources.

PCB officials said a final policy decision is likely within the next week. Under the proposed arrangement, the PCB would run the Multan Sultans for one season before offering the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027, as reported by The News on Friday.

If the plan moves forward, the PCB could save approximately $4 million during that year by avoiding payments of $3 million from the central revenue pool and an additional $1 million in sponsorship funds. However, an audit report points out that the PCB would also forgo the annual franchise fee of $8.5 million for that season.

In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced on social media that he was stepping away from the franchise. Sources say relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had been strained for over a year, eventually breaking down completely.

Multan Sultans were initially awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group for $5.2 million, making it the most expensive franchise at the time—twice the price paid for Karachi Kings, which was bought for $2.6 million.

However, after the first PSL season, the Schon Group reportedly found the deal unsustainable. When franchise payments were not made, the PCB cancelled the agreement.

In December 2018, Alamgir Tareen and his nephew Ali Tareen acquired the franchise for $6.3 million. Since then, Multan Sultans have emerged as one of the strongest teams in the PSL, but persistent disagreements with the PCB have now resulted in a change in ownership and management.