The Pakistan Super League (PSL) entered a new commercial era on Friday after Multan Sultans were sold for a record Rs245 billion, making it the most expensive franchise transaction in the league’s history ahead of PSL 11. The landmark sale highlights the growing commercial appeal of Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
According to official announcements, the Multan franchise was acquired through a competitive auction process overseen by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The valuation far exceeded previous franchise prices and signals strong investor confidence in the league’s future, despite economic challenges facing the country.
پی ایس ایل
ملتان سلطانز 2 ارب 45 کروڑ میں ولی ٹیک نے خرید لی۔ملتان سلطان پی ایس ایل کی سب سے مہنگی فرنچائز بن گئی۔ pic.twitter.com/QL51RkRKA8— Muhammad Aalijah Khan (@MuhammadAalija1) February 9, 2026
>The sale was confirmed as the PSL simultaneously conducted live franchise auctions to onboard two new teams for the upcoming expansion. These developments mark the league’s shift toward a more open, market-driven franchise ownership model.
Multan Sultans were originally added to the PSL in 2018 and later purchased by the Ali Tareen-led consortium in 2021. Under their ownership, the franchise emerged as one of the league’s most consistent teams, winning PSL 6 and reaching multiple finals. The sustained on-field success and strong regional fan base significantly boosted the franchise’s valuation.
Speaking at the franchise auction ceremony, the newly appointed owners announced a major rebranding decision, revealing that the team will no longer compete under the Multan Sultans name and will instead be known as Rawalpindi.
Unveiling the surprise move on stage, Walee Technologies Chief Executive Officer Ahsan Tahir told the audience, “Are you ready for a surprise? We will be going for Rawalpindi!” The announcement drew immediate attention, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s identity following its record-breaking acquisition.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated Walee Technologies on securing the franchise with the highest bid in PSL history and paid tribute to former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, crediting him for laying the foundation of the Multan Sultans.
“This Multan Sultans was created by Najam Sethi sahib, the person who started this journey. We are so pleased he is with us today,” Naqvi said, before inviting Sethi to join him on stage.
Addressing the audience, Sethi expressed his pride and emotional connection to the franchise. “I’m obviously delighted to be here; this is the culmination of a dream come true,” he said.
Sethi further praised the leadership under which the transition took place, adding, “I’m obviously over the moon that it’s come through under Mohsin Naqvi, who is a dear, dear friend of mine.”
Describing the successful auction as a landmark moment, Sethi called the winning bid “a great moment for Pakistan cricket” and hinted at further positive developments ahead. He said fans and stakeholders could expect “good news beyond PSL” in the coming days, without offering additional details.
Walee Technologies, the new franchise owner, describes itself as a global company operating across media, finance, and technology sectors. According to information available on its official website, the firm has previously been involved in major digital ventures and had already acquired PSL livestreaming rights, underscoring its growing footprint in Pakistan’s cricket and sports media ecosystem.
The acquisition and rebranding come at a time when the Pakistan Super League is entering a new commercial phase, marked by expansion, rising franchise valuations, and increased corporate interest. The decision to rebrand the team as Rawalpindi signals a strategic attempt to tap into a broader fan base and strengthen regional identity ahead of the league’s next season.
Expansion Background: Sialkot and Hyderabad
Alongside the Multan deal, the PCB has expanded the PSL from six to eight teams for PSL 11. Two new franchises Sialkot Stallions and Hyderabad were auctioned earlier this year as part of the league’s growth strategy.
The inclusion of Sialkot and Hyderabad follows months of planning and financial vetting. Both cities were selected due to their historic cricketing significance, commercial potential, and geographic balance. The PCB has stated that expansion is designed to increase regional representation, enhance broadcast value, and unlock new sponsorship markets.
Live auction updates showed strong interest from corporate groups and investors, reflecting confidence in the PSL’s long-term revenue streams, including media rights, sponsorships, and digital platforms.
What This Means for the PSL
The record Multan Sultans sale places the PSL among the fastest-growing franchise leagues globally in terms of valuation growth. Analysts note that higher franchise prices increase league stability, attract international stakeholders, and strengthen Pakistan cricket’s commercial ecosystem.
However, experts also caution that rising valuations will increase expectations around governance, transparency, and financial sustainability. Franchise owners will now be under greater pressure to deliver both sporting success and commercial returns.
With PSL 11 set to introduce a full auction-based player recruitment system and an expanded team lineup, the league is entering its most ambitious phase yet. The Multan Sultans sale, combined with the induction of Sialkot and Hyderabad, signals that the PSL is positioning itself as a long-term global T20 brand.
