Multan Sultans, one of the most valuable franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will not participate in the upcoming season. Ali Tareen, the team owner, announced on social media on Tuesday that he will not renew the franchise ownership due to ongoing financial losses.
Tareen said, “Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Representing South Punjab made me proud, a sentiment my late uncle Alamgir Tareen cherished deeply.”
Throughout each season, Tareen motivated players and staff with a clear message: hard work and resilience matter most. “You may lose matches, but never stop fighting. Fans will never forgive quitting,” he stated.
Despite financial setbacks, Tareen insisted that leaving the team was not an easy decision. According to him, principles outweigh profit: “It is better to stand and see the team lose than to compromise on values.”
Table: Multan Sultans PSL History & Financials
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First PSL title | 2021 |
| Finals appearances | 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Total investment | PKR 7.2 billion |
| Return earned | PKR 1.7 billion |
| Franchise fee (7 years) | USD 44 million |
Apart from Multan Sultans, the remaining five PSL teams have already renewed their contracts with the PCB for the next ten years. However, relations between Tareen and the PCB had recently become strained. Multan, initially owned by a UK-based company, was acquired by Tareen in 2018 for USD 6.3 million annually.
For the 2026 PSL season, the PCB had already decided to add two new teams. With Multan stepping aside, three new franchise auctions will now take place, promising a fresh competitive landscape.
Even without the former champions, the upcoming PSL is set to bring new rivalries, excitement, and unpredictability, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.