The Pakistan Super League (PSL) witnessed a historic moment as the Multan PSL franchise was sold for a record-breaking PKR 2.45 billion during a highly anticipated auction held at the Expo Centre Lahore. The sale marked one of the most significant financial milestones in PSL history and signaled a major shift in the league’s future landscape.

In a surprising development, the new owners later announced a rebranding of the franchise, renaming it to Rawalpindi, ending the era of the team previously known as Multan Sultans.

PSL Franchise Auction Overview

The auction for the Multan franchise attracted massive attention from cricket fans, business circles, and sports analysts across Pakistan. With multiple high-profile bidders involved, the bidding war quickly escalated beyond expectations.

Key Auction Details

• Venue: Expo Centre Lahore
• Base Price: PKR 1.82 billion
• Final Sale Price: PKR 2.45 billion
• Winning Bidder: Walee Technologies
• Auction Start Time: 06:35 PM

The final price set a new benchmark for PSL franchise valuations, highlighting the league’s growing commercial power.

Live Bidding Timeline: How the Price Reached PKR 2.45 Billion

The auction unfolded dramatically, with intense back-and-forth bidding among major contenders.

• Base Price announced at PKR 1,820,000,000
• Walee opens with PKR 1,900,000,000
• Bidding escalates rapidly between Walee, CD Ventures, and Particle Igniter
• Multiple counter-bids push the price past PKR 2.3 billion
• CD Ventures raises the bid to PKR 2,350,000,000
• Walee delivers the final winning bid of PKR 2,450,000,000

The aggressive bidding reflected strong confidence in PSL’s brand value and long-term profitability.

Qualified Bidders for the Multan PSL Franchise

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed five qualified bidders who competed for ownership rights:

• Walee Technologies (Winning bidder)
• Aim Next Inc.
• Deharki Sugar Mills (DSM)
• Particle Igniter
• CD Ventures

Each bidder met PCB’s financial and operational criteria, ensuring transparency and credibility throughout the auction process.

Why the Multan Franchise Was Put Up for Sale

The franchise became available after the former owner, Ali Tareen, decided not to renew his contract in November 2025.

Reasons Behind the Sale

• Prolonged strained relations between Ali Tareen and the PCB
• Contractual disagreements lasting over a year
• Strategic decision by PCB to move forward with new ownership

Despite stepping away earlier, Ali Tareen re-entered the auction race through his company, Deharki Sugar Mills (DSM), showing continued interest in the franchise.

Rebranding Shock: Multan Sultans Renamed to Rawalpindi

One of the most unexpected outcomes of the auction was the new owners’ decision to rename the teamRawalpindi.

What This Means

• The iconic Multan Sultans brand comes to an end
• The franchise shifts its identity, branding, and regional association
• Fans can expect:
  • New team name and logo
  • Revised marketing strategy
  • Potential changes in home-ground arrangements

While rebranding is permitted under PSL regulations, the decision sparked strong reactions from fans who had emotionally connected with the Multan identity.

Multan Sultans: A Legacy in PSL History

Before its rebranding, Multan Sultans built an impressive competitive record in the Pakistan Super League.

Major Achievements

• PSL Champions 2021
  Runners-up in three consecutive seasons
• Consistent playoff appearances
• Strong leadership under Mohammad Rizwan

Memorable 2021 Title Win

Under Rizwan’s captaincy, Multan Sultans defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the 2021 final, securing their first and only PSL title. That victory marked a turning point for the franchise and cemented its reputation as a top-performing team.

What the Record Sale Means for PSL

The PKR 2.45 billion sale sends a powerful message about the commercial growth and global appeal of the Pakistan Super League.

Key Impacts

• Increased confidence among investors
• Higher franchise valuations in future auctions
• Improved financial stability for PSL
• Greater sponsorship and broadcasting opportunities

This sale places PSL among the most commercially successful T20 leagues in the region.

Fan Reactions and Future Expectations

The news triggered mixed reactions:

• Excitement over record-breaking valuation
• Disappointment among Multan fans over the name change
• Curiosity about the Rawalpindi franchise’s future

Fans now eagerly await:

• Official team branding
• Player retention decisions
• Coaching staff announcements
• Home venue confirmation

What’s Next for the Newly Named Rawalpindi Franchise?

Under Walee Technologies’ ownership, expectations are high. The new management is expected to focus on:

• Strong digital engagement and fan experience
• Competitive squad building
• Modern branding and marketing
• Long-term sustainability in PSL

If executed well, the Rawalpindi franchise could become one of PSL’s most valuable and competitive teams.

Final Thoughts

The Multan PSL franchise sold for PKR 2.45 billion, marking a historic turning point in the Pakistan Super League. From intense bidding drama to a bold rebranding decision, the auction reshaped the future of one of PSL’s most successful teams.

While the Multan Sultans era has ended, their legacy remains firmly etched in PSL history. As the newly named Rawalpindi franchise prepares for the next season, all eyes will be on how the new ownership transforms vision into performance on the field.