Running Multan Sultans is a ‘plus-plus business,’ says PCB chair

Pakistan Super League (PSL) has two more teams and consequently, more valuation than before. But Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) work isn’t done yet. There is a question about the Multan Sultans that keeps sticking out. 

Multan Sultans' contract not renewed

For the context, the PCB will run the franchise and auction it out ahead of the next season. For those who don’t know, the Sultans’ former owner, Ali Tareen, did not renew the ownership contract, unlike the other franchisees, citing losses. 

"Despite the financial losses year after year, I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers," Tareen said while announcing the decision. 

It doesn’t take a genius to understand that running an entity that has reportedly been in the red for years isn’t the sanest of moves. However, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi begs to differ with the statement in Multan’s case. While speaking to the media at the PSL auction, Naqvi said the board will show that the franchise can potentially offer huge profit. 

PCB’s Multan Sultans challenge

"I took a challenge, and that is that there were a lot of claims on social media that the team was in losses. So I, and all of the team, decided that we will show you how much profit this business offers, publish the numbers before going for the auction," Naqvi stated.

"The pressure has started to be built up on me to sell out the team," he said humorously, while referring to Naseer.

Naqvi also confirmed that the franchise will not be handled by the board beyond the upcoming season. 

"But my wish is to operate Multan Sultans for one year, and I'm very much hopeful that we would leave it in profit so the world gets to know that it's a plus-plus business."

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