PCB Takes Over Multan Sultans Ahead of PSL 2026 Season
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially taken control of the Multan Sultans as they prepare for the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. This change comes after a dispute with the former owner, Ali Khan Tareen. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision during a press conference held in Lahore on December 28.
The Multan Sultans, established in 2018, have been a strong contender in the league and are considered one of its most valuable teams. However, uncertainty began when Tareen chose not to renew his ownership contract with the PCB. After lengthy negotiations failed, he criticized the league’s management and refused the renewal terms, marking a contentious end to his association with the team.
Things escalated further when Tareen publicly tore up a legal notice from the PCB, which had warned him about the consequences of his statements. This incident, captured in a widely shared video, highlighted the growing divide between Tareen and the board.
With the franchise agreement set to expire on December 31, 2025, the PCB acted quickly to take over the team for the upcoming season. Under this interim setup, a group of former cricketers and experts will manage the team to help maintain stability and keep them competitive for the PSL 2026.
The PCB has assured fans that this takeover is temporary. After the season ends, the board intends to auction the franchise to new owners, which will be separate from the sale of two new expansion teams set for January 8, 2026.
This development marks a major change in the PSL’s history, exposing some governance challenges within Pakistan’s top T20 league just as the season approaches. Fans and stakeholders are keen to see how this transition will influence team dynamics and the overall balance of competition in PSL 2026.
The PCB has also confirmed that the 11th edition of the PSL will take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026. This timing once again overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL), prompting the PCB to adjust Pakistan’s international cricket calendar. During a roadshow for PSL in New York, Naqvi mentioned that Pakistan’s commitments, including a scheduled tour of Bangladesh during March and April, will be modified to accommodate the league’s timing.
