PCB mulling over auctioning off Multan Sultans ahead of PSL 11

Reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to auction off the Multan Sultans before the upcoming PSL 11 season, rather than waiting until after it concludes, as previously announced. 

Hyderabad, Sialkot sale took PCB by surprise

The recent auction, where two teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold for record-breaking prices, collectively accounting for PKR 3.6 billion, is reported to have influenced the board into changing its decision.

According to reports, the PCB was not expecting the two new teams to be sold for such lucrative prices. This is why board officials are hoping to benefit from the heightened interest among foreign Pakistanis in owning a franchise by selling the Sultans at this point. 

Why was Multan not sold with Hyderabad, Sialkot?

It is understood that top-tier officials, as well as the PSL management, are in favour of selling the franchise, provided the legal requirements are met. Earlier, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi said that the reason Multan’s auction was being held off was that legal requirements necessitate advertising the sale for a certain period of time before the auction. 

Since Multan Sultans was relinquished by former owner Ali Tareen on December 31, the franchise could not be sold after just eight days.

Although a decision has not yet been reached, the PCB would need to act quickly. The PSL is set to begin on March 26, and even the date for the draft has yet to be confirmed.

ALSO READ:Virat Kohli Surpasses Kumar Sangakkara to Become Fastest to 28,000 International Runs- IPL