The Multan Sultans are reportedly heading toward a major identity shift ahead of the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 11), with strong indications that the franchise may undergo a complete name change. The development follows owner Ali Tareen’s decision not to renew his contract with the league, effectively placing the team back on the market and paving the way for new ownership, and potentially a new brand identity.

According to sources, the name “Multan Sultans” may not continue into PSL 2026, as fresh investors look to rebuild the franchise’s image from the ground up. With the team now officially open for purchase and the PCB preparing for a multi-team auction in early January, rebranding has become one of the most talked-about possibilities in PSL circles. A new owner would have full authority to rename, redesign, and reposition the franchise in line with their long-term vision.

A New Era Awaits as Multan’s PSL Franchise Faces Complete Rebranding

Ali Tareen’s emotional farewell, posted on X, marked the end of a turbulent but influential era. Known for his outspoken nature and frequent clashes with PCB and PSL officials, Tareen said he preferred to step away rather than compromise his principles. His decision came after months of disagreements over governance and transparency, including disputes related to franchise valuation and communication from the league.

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With Tareen’s exit, the Multan franchise, valued at around Rs. 140 crore, is now one of the most attractive assets available for new investors. PSL 2026 is set to be a transformative season altogether, with the league expanding to eight teams through the inclusion of Gilgit and Faisalabad. The PCB will now conduct an auction seeking three new owners: one to replace Multan and two for the newly added teams.

As for the Sultans, their future identity remains a subject of heavy speculation. Whether the new owner retains the iconic “Sultans” branding or opts for a fresh concept, one thing is certain: PSL 2026 may witness the birth of an entirely new franchise representing South Punjab, one with a new name, new leadership, and a brand-new chapter.

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has officially announced that he will not renew his ownership of the PSL franchise, bringing an end to a seven-year association marked by both on-field success and increasingly strained relations with league management. Tareen confirmed his exit through a detailed message on social media, in which he expressed pride in what the team had achieved but also hinted at serious disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PSL administration. His remark that he would “rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees” underscored the friction that has built over the past year.

Tareen revealed that financial losses never motivated his decision to leave, emphasising that Multan Sultans meant far more to him than yearly balance sheets. His departure comes at a complicated time for the league, which is set to expand to eight teams for the upcoming 11th season. While five franchises have agreed to renew their ownership contracts, Sultans did not receive a renewal offer, a sign of how fractured the relationship had become.

Legal Dispute, Valuation Clash Push Tareen to Exit Multan Sultans

The rift escalated when the PCB issued a legal notice accusing Tareen of contract violations and demanding a public apology. Tareen responded with a sarcastic video in which he tore up the notice, further intensifying the standoff. In recent months, he found himself excluded from discussions regarding the upcoming season, and the franchise received no replies to communication from PSL officials. Sources indicate the PCB recently asked Tareen to delete posts critical of the league and issue an apology, but the impasse remained unresolved.

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Compounding matters is the franchise’s financial valuation. Multan Sultans, originally purchased for PKR 1.1 billion, has reportedly been revalued at around PKR 850 million, making it the only PSL team to lose value. Yet, renewal terms required Tareen to pay the old fee plus an additional 25%, a condition he argued was unfair and unsustainable.

In his farewell statement, Tareen paid tribute to his late uncle, Alamgir Tareen, who had shared his passion for using the franchise to uplift South Punjab. He urged fans to continue supporting the team regardless of future ownership and promised he would still be present in the stands. The PCB has yet to comment, and the search for new ownership now adds another layer of complexity to PSL 11.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct all its financial transactions with Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams in Pakistani rupees instead of US dollars. This decision has raised questions about whether it will benefit the franchises or the PCB.

The real-time brand value of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and its franchises is still not clear.

Recently, independent foreign auditors reviewed the six existing franchises. After the evaluation, three teams — Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi — renewed their contracts for the next 10 years without any issues.

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Franchise Fee Concerns After New Rupee-Based System

The decision to conduct all PSL transactions in Pakistani rupees has raised questions in cricket circles about how the new franchise fees will work over the next 10 years.

Information gathered by this correspondent suggests that franchise fees may increase by 45 to 90 percent for the six teams. The PCB also plans to add two new teams, and their names will be announced on January 6.

How the Dollar-Based System Affected Teams

When the league began in 2016, all payments were done in US dollars. For example, Lahore Qalandars had a 10-year franchise fee of USD 25 million, meaning they paid USD 2.5 million every year.

In 2016, the dollar rate in Pakistan was 105 rupees. But within three years, the rate rose to 175 rupees, and by 2019, franchises said they were facing losses.

Lahore Qalandars’ annual fee rose from 26.5 crore rupees to 43.75 crore rupees only because of the higher dollar rate.

Other teams faced the same issue and pushed the PCB to change the financial model. The PCB agreed to increase their share in the central revenue pool to 95 percent and capped the dollar rate at 175 rupees.

Since 2019, franchises have paid fees at this fixed rate, even though the actual dollar rate has now reached 281 rupees.

What Happens in the Next 10 Years?

The big question now is whether franchises will pay more or less than they did earlier. If the PCB used today's dollar rate, Lahore’s annual fee of 2.5 million dollars would become around 70 crore rupees.

Rumours say Lahore’s new annual fee could be 66 crore rupees, but the PCB has not confirmed this.

Another major issue is that the PSL still lacks foreign investors, foreign sponsors, and foreign owners. On top of that, relations between the PCB and the most expensive team, Multan Sultans (fee: USD 6.35 million per year), are not good, as the franchise has not yet received its renewal documents.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major leap to boost the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of its 2026 edition. With the league continuing to grow in stature, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has officially unveiled a significant increase in the prize pool – a move aimed at enhancing competitiveness and strengthening Pakistan’s franchise cricket ecosystem.

The PSL 2026 champions will now walk away with a massive $500,000, marking one of the biggest financial upgrades in the league’s history. The runners-up will receive $300,000, substantially increasing the reward for teams that reach the final. In addition to these top prizes, a new and unique award has been introduced: $200,000 for the franchise that makes the greatest contribution towards cricket development. This category will recognize efforts in talent scouting, youth grooming, grassroots projects, and overall investment toward the sport’s future.

Mohsin Naqvi announced these updates through a social media post, expressing his enthusiasm and reiterating PCB’s broader vision. He noted that the improved structure reflects PSL’s rapid rise and the board’s commitment to “taking Pakistan cricket to new heights.” The increased prize money is expected to uplift franchise morale, attract higher-quality talent, and fuel tighter on-field competition in the upcoming season.

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PSL Set for Biggest Expansion with Two New Teams in 2026

Beyond the financial boost, the PSL is also gearing up for a major structural expansion. The PCB confirmed that the auction for two new franchises will take place on January 6, 2026. This marks the first expansion of the league since its inception, and signals a long-term plan to widen PSL’s footprint across the country.

Six cities have been shortlisted as potential new franchise locations: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. However, only technically qualified bidders who meet PCB’s criteria will be able to participate in the auction. The successful bidders will choose their team identity and home city from the list of approved locations.

With increased commercial prospects, stronger competition, and a focus on development, PSL 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark edition. The strategic push by the PCB highlights a clear intent, to elevate the PSL’s status globally and continue building a thriving cricketing culture in Pakistan.

Tensions between Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans and the Pakistan Cricket Board have deepened, with owner Ali Khan Tareen openly expressing frustration over what he describes as a complete communication breakdown regarding the team’s renewal and valuation process.

Tareen revealed that despite repeatedly reaching out, Multan have still not received the valuation and renewal letter that other franchises have been issued. “Over the past month we have sent multiple emails to the PSL management, asking for our valuation and renewal letter (which every other team has already received). But there has been no response,” he wrote on social media. He added that there had been “no response to our legal letter, no response to our emails, no response to my letter to the Chairman,” calling the situation unwarranted and disappointing.

Multan Sultans voice concerns amid stalled talks and looming PSL expansion

According to Tareen, Multan’s exclusion has also raised eyebrows among rival teams. “Even other franchise reps have asked why Multan is not being included in the valuation and renewal process. No response,” he stated. He stressed that the matter was only made public because all private attempts to resolve it had been ignored. “It is simply because PSL management refuse to engage with us,” he said.

Since the PCB will not communicate with us, here is an update we can share ourselves.

Over the past month we have sent multiple emails to the PSL management, asking for our valuation and renewal letter (which every other team has already received). But there has been no…

— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) November 19, 2025

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The disagreement comes at a sensitive time for the league. The PCB recently confirmed that two new franchises will be introduced, initiating a tender process for fresh ownership rights. It also announced that the independent valuation for existing teams had been completed, with renewal offers shared with what the board termed “compliant” franchises. The PCB has reportedly held meetings with other teams to explain the valuation model and address concerns.

Tareen warned that Multan may be forced into legal action if the “ghosting” continues, though he maintained that it was a move the franchise wanted to avoid. He regretted how the issue had escalated, saying it “could have easily been solved over tea and biscuits, but fragile egos make simple things difficult.”

What once seemed like a manageable disagreement has now grown into a public standoff, leaving questions over Multan Sultans’ future unresolved as the PSL edges toward a crucial new chapter of expansion and commercial restructuring.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a major step toward the long-planned expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), completing an independent valuation of all existing franchises and moving ahead with the process to add two new teams for the 2026 season. The development marks one of the most significant structural updates in the league’s history.

As part of the expansion roadmap, the PCB has shortlisted six cities as potential homes for the new franchises. These include Hyderabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi. Bidders participating in the upcoming auction will be allowed to choose any of these cities as their preferred base. The PCB has confirmed that the two new teams will make their PSL debut in 2026, once the auction concludes and franchise rights are awarded.

The valuation process, carried out by EY MENA, has assessed the worth of current teams as well as key commercial assets tied to the league. Following the completion of this audit, renewal letters have been dispatched to all six existing franchises, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, and Multan Sultans. These letters outline revised financial terms for the next ten-year cycle, with teams required to respond within a given deadline.

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Franchise Fee Hike Sparks Dialogue as PSL Expansion Nears

To ensure transparency, the PCB has scheduled both joint and one-on-one sessions between franchise owners and the valuation team. These meetings will allow teams to review the valuation model, raise concerns, and understand the basis of the revised fees. According to insiders, the proposed fee hikes are substantial, ranging from 75% to 150%. Multan Sultans remain the most valuable franchise with an annual fee of USD 6.35 million, while other teams fall between USD 1.3 million and 2.6 million.

Meanwhile, PSL CEO Salman Naseer has reaffirmed that the auction for the two new franchises will begin soon, with all transactions expected to conclude within a month. However, uncertainty remains over the exact window of the PSL’s 11th edition, which is likely to be staged between March and May next year and may overlap with the Indian Premier League. With the groundwork nearing completion, the league is gearing up for a new era of growth and wider national representation.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will enter its 11th edition in 2026 with a familiar structure after all six franchises unanimously rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed Super 6 format. Despite the board’s push for innovation, franchise owners insisted on retaining the traditional round-robin model that has defined the league since its inception in 2016.

PCB’s Super 6 Proposal

The PCB had floated the idea of a new Super 6 system for PSL 11, aiming to make the league shorter and more competitive. Under this model, the eight participating teams would first play a reduced group stage where each side faced the others once. The bottom two teams would be eliminated early, while the top six would move into a new Super 6 phase before the playoffs.

Officials believed this design would bring a fresh twist to the tournament, cut down the number of fixtures, and help players manage workload ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Why the Franchises Said No

Franchise owners, however, saw the proposal as a step backward rather than forward. They raised several key concerns:

• Fan engagement: Teams like Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans have massive local followings. Eliminating two teams early would have meant fewer home games and reduced interest in those cities.
• Financial implications: A shorter league would reduce ticket sales, sponsorship exposure, and broadcast revenue.
• Fairness: The new system favored stronger teams and limited the opportunity for others to recover from early setbacks, a feature many believe keeps the PSL exciting and unpredictable.

One franchise representative summed it up, saying, “The PSL’s strength lies in its consistency. Fans understand the format and enjoy it. There’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken.”

The Round-Robin Format Will Stay

Following the unanimous rejection, the PCB confirmed that PSL 11 will maintain its current format. Each team will play against every other team at least once during the league stage, with the top four advancing to the playoffs, two qualifiers, one eliminator, and a grand final.

This model has produced countless memorable moments, from thrilling last-over finishes to record-breaking chases, and continues to offer a balance between competition and entertainment.

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PCB’s Response and Future Plans

PCB officials acknowledged the franchises’ feedback, emphasizing that the league’s success depends on collaboration between the board and team owners. They also hinted that the Super 6 concept might return later, once the league expands.

The board is actively considering adding two new franchises, potentially from cities such as Sialkot, Faisalabad, or Hyderabad, in future editions. Once that happens, structural changes like a Super 6 or Super 8 phase could be revisited.

Fan and Media Reaction

Fans across Pakistan welcomed the decision to keep the format unchanged. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #SavePSLFormat and #PSL11, as supporters praised the franchises for prioritizing tradition and fan loyalty.

Cricket journalists, including Saleem Khaliq, reported that the rejection was unanimous. Analysts called it a sign of maturity within PSL’s ecosystem, showing that franchises now play a decisive role in shaping the league’s direction.

Looking Ahead to PSL 11

PSL 11, expected to be played in April–May 2026, will likely feature 35 to 44 matches across multiple venues, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Quetta. PCB aims to involve all major cricket centers while ensuring a packed yet manageable schedule.

Players have also welcomed the continuity. A Peshawar Zalmi player said, “Every team gets a fair chance in the round-robin format. One or two bad games don’t define your season, that’s what makes the PSL special.”

Final Word

By standing firm on the traditional format, PSL franchises have safeguarded the league’s identity, one built on fairness, competition, and nationwide fan engagement. The PCB’s willingness to listen to its stakeholders shows a maturing system that values stability over risky experimentation.

As preparations for PSL 11 get underway, fans can look forward to what they love most: intense rivalries, full stadiums, and world-class T20 action — all under the tried-and-tested round-robin system that made the PSL a global cricketing brand.

For the very first time in history, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 will be held in six major cities across the nation. Cricket fans are overjoyed with CEO Salman Naseer's announcement that Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, and Peshawar will host exciting PSL matches. This expansion brings high-intensity T20 cricket action closer to fans and enhances the league’s nationwide popularity.

PSL 2026: Six Cities, Two New Teams, and Unmissable Cricket Action!

It’s a big occasion for cricket fans in Faisalabad and Peshawar, who will now have the chance to witness live Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 action in their own cities. The league management has been busy ensuring stadiums are ready and equipped for high-profile T20 matches, promising an unforgettable cricket experience for local fans.

🚨 PSL MATCHES IN SIX CITIES 🚨

- PSL CEO Salman Naseer has confirmed that Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad & Peshawar will host PSL matches next year. pic.twitter.com/5uNqd4eZ0B

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 24, 2025

This expansion is a great stride towards making cricket more accessible to enthusiasts all around the world. With new cities, the PSL is providing more individuals with an opportunity to enjoy their heroes play and connect with the thrill.

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The league has big plans for the future. After the 2025 season, it aims to add two new teams, expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) into an eight-team tournament in PSL 2026. With more franchises, upgraded stadiums, and high-intensity T20 cricket matches, the league is set to grow even bigger and spread the passion for cricket across all of Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which cities will host PSL 2026 matches?
For the very first time, PSL 2026 will be held in six major cities of Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, bringing live T20 cricket action closer to fans nationwide.

2. How many teams will participate in PSL 2026?
PSL 2026 will expand to an eight-team tournament with the addition of two new franchises, increasing competitiveness and excitement in the league.

3. Will Faisalabad and Peshawar host live PSL matches?
Yes, for the first time, cricket fans in Faisalabad and Peshawar will get the chance to watch live PSL matches in their own cities, with stadiums prepared for high-profile T20 games.

4. How is the PSL preparing for the expanded league?
The league management is ensuring all stadiums are upgraded and ready for the bigger tournament, providing top-quality facilities and an unforgettable cricket experience for local fans.

5. Why is PSL 2026 considered a major event for cricket fans in Pakistan?
With six cities hosting matches, two new teams, upgraded stadiums, and high-intensity T20 cricket action, PSL 2026 promises unmatched excitement and spreads the passion for cricket across the entire country.

In a stunning twist that’s gripped Pakistan’s cricket community, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a legal notice to Ali Khan Tareen, the outspoken co-owner of Multan Sultans. The PCB has demanded that Tareen retract his recent criticisms of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management and issue a public apology. Failure to comply, the board warns, could result in the termination of Multan Sultans’ franchise agreement and a lifetime ban on Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.

This explosive development comes just months before the PSL’s original 11-year franchise contracts expire in December, throwing uncertainty over the league’s stability. The conflict stems from Tareen’s vocal dissatisfaction with the PSL’s management, which he accused of lacking transparency and vision. In a series of social media posts and interviews, Tareen openly mocked the league’s operations, from draft procedures to the quality of the opening ceremony. “How will PSL 10 be bigger and better with the same teams and games?” he asked in one viral clip, sparking heated debate among fans.

Ali Tareen’s clash with the PCB sparks major tension ahead of PSL 11

The PCB, however, views his outbursts as a breach of the franchise agreement. Officials claim his remarks have harmed the league’s reputation, especially with re-bidding for all six franchises, and two new ones, on the horizon. The board’s letter, revealed on October 23, warned Tareen of potential blacklisting from all future PSL involvement.

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Tareen’s reaction was characteristically defiant. In a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), he dramatically tore up the legal notice, offering a sarcastic “apology” to the PCB. “I’m sorry for wanting the mic to work and the show to start on time,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause online.

The Multan Sultans management stood firmly behind their owner, calling the PCB’s move “pettiness in the face of honest criticism.” Fans are split, some praising Tareen’s courage, others accusing him of immaturity.

As PSL 11 approaches, this confrontation has become more than a personal feud, it’s a test of whether Pakistan cricket can embrace accountability and dialogue or continue down the path of confrontation.

PCB Demands

In a major shake-up in Pakistan’s T20 landscape, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a formal termination notice to the owners of Multan Sultans, signaling the potential end of the franchise’s long-standing association with the league at the conclusion of PSL 10. The move comes amid growing tensions over franchise renewal policies and revenue-sharing structures, leaving the Sultans’ future in limbo.

Multan Sultans, under the ownership of Ali Tareen since 2018, have been one of the most successful teams in PSL history. The franchise has qualified for the playoffs every season since its debut, winning one championship in 2021 (PSL 6) and finishing as runners-up four times, including in PSL 10 earlier this year. Stars like Mohammad Rizwan, Shane Watson, Rilee Rossouw, and David Miller have donned the Sultans jersey, making the team a powerhouse in the league.

However, financial strain has plagued the franchise. Multan Sultans was acquired in 2017 for a record $5.2 million per season, significantly higher than original PSL teams like Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. Under PCB rules, renewing owners must pay their original fee plus 25% or match a new market valuation, pushing Multan’s renewal cost beyond $6.5 million annually. Tareen has openly criticized the economics, noting the franchise has not been profitable under these terms and opting not to renew. Instead, he plans to rebid in a fresh auction, hoping for a more sustainable deal.

PCB Prepares for PSL 11 Expansion as Multan Sultans’ Future Hangs in the Balance

The PCB, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized fairness and transparency in the rebidding process, particularly as PSL prepares to expand with two new teams for its 11th season. While the board sees Tareen’s exit as a chance to attract fresh investment, questions remain about player retention, especially for stars like Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed.

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Fans have expressed outrage over the potential upheaval, with #SaveMultanSultans trending on social media. The Sultans’ passionate fan base considers the team a symbol of Punjab pride, reflecting the energy and excitement the franchise brings to the league.

As PSL 10 nears its conclusion, the franchise’s final season under Tareen unfolds, with the team chasing playoff glory. Meanwhile, the off-season auction will determine whether the Sultans remain in Tareen’s hands or enter a new chapter in PSL history.

Multan Sultans Legacy:

• PSL Debut: PSL 3
• Championships: 1 (2021)
• Runner-up Finishes: 4
• Notable Players: Mohammad Rizwan, Shane Watson, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw