In a significant development for Pakistan's premier T20 competition, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced it will take direct control of the Multan Sultans franchise for the upcoming 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This decision comes after a financial dispute with the team's previous ownership group, marking a major administrative shift in the league's structure.
Ownership Dispute Leads to PCB Takeover
The core issue stems from outstanding dues owed by the franchise's previous owners, led by Ali Khan Tareen. According to the PCB, the ownership consortium failed to clear substantial financial obligations related to the franchise fee. This breach of contractual agreements prompted the cricket board's governing body to terminate the ownership rights and assume operational control of the team for the next edition of the tournament.
The PCB's management committee, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, made the final decision to take over the franchise. The board has clarified that this is not a permanent nationalization but a necessary step to ensure the league's stability and integrity. The Sultans will now be run as a PCB-managed entity for PSL 2026, with the board handling all team operations, player contracts, and commercial activities.
Implications for PSL 2026 and the Multan Franchise
This move has immediate and wide-ranging consequences. For the upcoming season, the PCB will be responsible for assembling the Multan Sultans squad, including player retention, acquisitions during the draft, and appointment of coaching staff. Fans can expect continuity in the team's identity, as the PCB intends to maintain the Multan Sultans brand, colors, and its association with the city of Multan.
From a financial perspective, the board will now receive all revenues generated by the franchise, but will also bear all associated costs. The PCB has stated its intention to eventually sell the franchise to a new private owner, but only after ensuring a transparent process and securing a party that meets all financial and regulatory criteria. This interim period allows the board to stabilize the franchise's operations and settle any lingering disputes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Franchise Ownership in PSL
The takeover underscores the challenges of franchise ownership models in cricket leagues. While the PSL has been a commercial and sporting success, this incident highlights the importance of financial diligence and contractual adherence. The PCB's action sends a clear message to all franchise owners about the seriousness of their financial commitments.
For the league itself, having the governing body run a team is an unusual scenario. It places the PCB in a dual role as both regulator and participant, which will require careful management to avoid conflicts of interest. However, the board has emphasized that its primary goal is to protect the league's interests and ensure a smooth, competitive tournament in 2026.
The Multan Sultans, one of the most successful teams in recent PSL history, will now embark on a new chapter under direct PCB stewardship. How this affects team performance, fan engagement, and the overall dynamics of PSL 2026 remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks one of the most dramatic administrative interventions in the league's history.
