The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take over Multan Sultans operations in 2026 after the franchise’s ownership deal with Ali Khan Tareen ends, marking a dramatic shift in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) landscape. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the board and the Multan franchise, leaving cricket fans and stakeholders debating the future of one of PSL’s most high‑profile teams.
According to sources, the PCB did not issue a renewal contract to Multan Sultans for the upcoming PSL‑11 season, while all other five franchises received new agreements. This decision followed what officials described as non‑compliance with board standards and repeated public criticisms from the team’s owner.
The standoff reached a peak when Ali Khan Tareen publicly tore up a legal notice sent by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which had demanded he retract critical comments about league management and issue a public apology. The notice warned of franchise termination and a lifetime ban on Tareen from owning any cricket team if he failed to comply, a video that went viral online.
In response, Multan Sultans defended their position, stating the board was treating “constructive criticism as a crime” and highlighted the team’s significant investment in local talent development.
As pressure mounted on both sides, industry voices also weighed in, from players to commentators. In a related development, Shan Masood rejects PCB advisory role amid calls for greater governance reform in Pakistan cricket, illustrating broader unrest within the sport’s administration.
With the current franchise agreement set to expire at the end of 2025, the board to take over Multan Sultans operations in 2026 now appears likely, as the board prepares to manage the franchise directly or seek new ownership before PSL‑11.
Cricket insiders say the decision could reshape commercial, sporting, and governance dynamics ahead of the 2026 season.
