Ali Tareen opts out of PSL franchise auction as league expands

ISLAMABAD: Ali Tareen has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming Pakistan Super League franchise auction, stepping aside as the league moves toward a major expansion featuring eight teams and 10 qualified bidders.

Sharing his decision on X, Ali tareen reflected on his association with the Multan Sultans and his emotional connection with South Punjab.

“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” he wrote.

Tareen said his involvement with the Multan Sultans was never limited to cricket ownership alone. “Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab — about giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long,” he said, adding that this vision guided everything the franchise stood for.

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He indicated that any future return to the PSL would remain tied to the same purpose. “If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home,” Tareen said, adding that he would watch the upcoming season from the stands and support the players and fans. He also noted that he would be ready when the Multan franchise is formally put up for sale.

Concluding his message, Tareen wished the prospective bidders well, saying: “Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that it will assume temporary control of the Multan Sultans for the 11th edition of the PSL, scheduled to take place between March and May.

Speaking at a media conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board would operate the franchise for one season before initiating the sale process after PSL 11.

“Multan Sultans will be operated by the PCB this year. Once the PSL concludes, we will carry out the auction process and put the franchise up for sale. For this season, the board will run the Sultans,” Naqvi said.

He added that an interim management setup would be put in place shortly. “We will appoint an acting head within the next eight to ten days, and a professional cricketer will be brought in to manage Multan Sultans for this season,” he said.