Ali Tareen has announced that he will not participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise auction, as the tournament prepares to expand to eight teams.
The auction, scheduled at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, will see 10 qualified bidders competing for the new teams.
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Tareen shared his decision on social media platform X, reflecting on his journey with the Multan Sultans and his strong connection to South Punjab.
“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” Tareen wrote.
He added that his time with the Multan Sultans was about more than just owning a cricket team.
“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. That’s what drove everything we built,” he said.
READ: Ali Tareen announces departure from Multan Sultans ownership
Looking ahead, Tareen said that any potential return to the PSL would be tied to his passion for South Punjab.
“If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home. This year, I’ll be in the stands. Cheering for players on and celebrating with the fans. And when the Multan team is being sold, we’ll be ready,” he added.
After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction.
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) January 8, 2026
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…
He also wished luck to the prospective team owners at the auction.
“Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win!” Tareen concluded.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that it will temporarily take control of the Multan Sultans franchise for the 11th edition of the PSL, scheduled from March to May.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed during a media briefing that the board would operate the franchise for one season before launching a full auction process following PSL 11.
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“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. However, for this season, the board will run the Sultans,” Naqvi said.
He added that an interim management structure would be put in place soon.
“For this purpose, we will appoint an acting head within the next eight to ten days who will oversee the team. A professional cricketer will be brought in to manage Multan Sultans for this season,” he added.
