The Multan Sultans exit PSL has now officially become a reality, bringing an end to one of the league’s most prominent franchises. As of December 31, the franchise’s contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expired, and the board has taken over full control of the team’s affairs. This decision sets the stage for a fresh sale of the franchise ahead of the next Pakistan Super League edition.
Unlike other PSL teams, Multan Sultans were not offered a renewal option. The PCB chose a measured approach by allowing the contract to run its full term rather than terminating it abruptly. With the agreement now concluded, the franchise’s future will be determined by new ownership through an upcoming sale.
Why Multan Sultans Were Not Renewed
The Multan Sultans exit PSL stems from strained relations between the franchise owners and the PCB. According to reports, controversial statements made by the ownership and the subsequent rejection of official notices left little room for reconciliation. As a result, the PCB decided not to extend the contract, marking a rare and significant decision in PSL history.
While other franchises were offered renewals under revised valuation terms, Multan Sultans stood apart. The board waited until the end of the contract period, ensuring a formal and procedural conclusion rather than a sudden dismissal.
PCB to Run Team Temporarily
For the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, the PCB will directly manage the team’s operations. This includes administrative decisions, branding, and overall franchise management. Once the season concludes, the franchise will be sold to new owners through a bidding process.
At that point, it will be entirely up to the new stakeholders whether the team continues under the name Multan Sultans or adopts a new identity. This transitional phase highlights the scale of the Multan Sultans exit PSL, as both ownership and branding are now open to change.
Digital Assets and Fanbase Impact
One major consequence of the ownership change is the transfer of digital assets. All official social media accounts and the franchise website are no longer under the control of the former owners. This includes a sizable online following: approximately 1.7 million followers on Facebook, 774,000 on X (formerly Twitter), 576,000 on Instagram, and 566,000 on TikTok.
The loss of control over such a strong digital presence underscores the financial and branding implications of the Multan Sultans exit PSL, especially in an era where online engagement plays a crucial role in franchise value.
Second Ownership Exit Raises Questions
This marks the second time the Multan franchise has seen its owners step away. Interestingly, while Ali Tareen exited a franchise with an annual fee of around Rs1.8 billion, he is simultaneously participating in the bidding process for the seventh and eighth PSL teams, where the projected fee could exceed Rs1.5 billion.
Despite the increase in valuation, sources suggest the former owners might have retained Multan Sultans at a comparatively lower cost. Concerns reportedly existed that they would not be allowed to re-enter the bidding process, though PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi later publicly welcomed their participation.
Upcoming Auction and Market Interest
The January 8 auction has attracted interest from several major parties, which is expected to push franchise prices even higher. However, industry insiders note that not all bidders may be capable of sustaining the estimated Rs2 billion annual operational cost required to run a PSL team.
Some companies appear to be using the auction primarily for brand exposure rather than long-term ownership. Participation allows them to gain visibility at a fraction of the cost, with refundable deposits minimizing financial risk. This trend adds another layer of complexity following the Multan Sultans exit PSL.
What This Means for PSL’s Future
The departure of Multan Sultans’ ownership signals a broader shift in how the PSL is evolving. Rising franchise fees, stricter governance, and increased financial expectations indicate that the league is entering a more corporate and regulated phase.
For fans, the focus will remain on whether the team retains its identity or emerges under a new name. For the PCB, this transition represents an opportunity to reset standards and ensure long-term stability across franchises.
The Multan Sultans exit PSL is a landmark moment that reflects the growing pains of a maturing league. From ownership disputes to escalating franchise valuations, the episode highlights the high stakes involved in modern sports management.
As the PCB prepares to oversee the team temporarily and move toward a new sale, all eyes will be on what comes next—both for the franchise and for the future direction of the Pakistan Super League itself.
