ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the auction of the Multan Sultans franchise, following the successful sale of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams.
A formal advertisement has been released inviting bids from interested parties. Prospective buyers can submit their bids until January 30.
On the same day, after technical verification, the PCB will release the list of final bidders.
The PCB expects a significant sum from the sale of Multan Sultans, similar to the amounts raised from Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises. Hyderabad was sold for PKR 175 crore, while Sialkot fetched PKR 185 crore.
Earlier, the PCB had announced that it would operate Multan Sultans itself this season. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board had accepted the challenge to run the team independently.
He noted that social media had suggested the franchise was operating at a loss, prompting criticism. The PCB and the franchise team decided to demonstrate that the team could be a profitable business. Full financial records will be made public before the auction.
Naqvi added that while there was pressure to sell Multan Sultans, the board preferred to operate the team for at least one more season to prove its profitability to the public. The final decision on the sale will be made collectively by the franchise team.
Reports on social media indicated that business and social circles had pressured the PCB to sell the team. Two to three investor groups expressed strong interest, offering bids up to PKR 182 crore.
Also Read:PCB Names Women’s Squads for South Africa Tour
However, Naqvi and Salman Naseer initially decided not to sell. After assessing bidder interest, the PCB has now formally announced that Multan Sultans will go to auction.
