The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to temporarily take control of the Multan Sultans franchise following the exit of owner Ali Tareen. Sources indicate that Tareen’s ownership agreement will officially end on December 31, 2025, after which the PCB will manage the team for the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
The decision comes after reported strained relations between Tareen and the PCB, prompting him to part ways with the franchise he had owned since its inception. The board’s interim management will ensure the team remains operational and competitive during the upcoming PSL season while giving the PCB time to prepare for a franchise auction in 2027.
Financially, the move is expected to save the PCB roughly $4 million in operational expenses, although the board will not receive the usual $8.5 million franchise fee for the year. Analysts suggest that taking temporary control of the team is a strategic step, allowing the PCB to maintain continuity for players, sponsors, and fans while avoiding disruption in the league schedule.
Multan Sultans has been one of the most competitive and popular franchises in the PSL, and the PCB will now oversee all aspects of its management, including team selection, coaching, and marketing. Officials have assured fans that the team will continue to perform at a high level despite the change in ownership.
The move also signals a potential shift in the structure of PSL franchise management, giving the PCB the ability to intervene in ownership matters to protect the league’s integrity. Fans and stakeholders will now await updates on the 2027 auction, which is expected to attract strong interest from local and international investors.
The PCB’s temporary takeover ensures stability for the Multan Sultans while planning for the future of the franchise and the league.
