For Pakistan Super League fans, a major development has now been officially confirmed. The future ownership of Multan Sultans is set to be decided very soon, bringing clarity ahead of the next PSL season. The Pakistan Cricket Board has finalized the auction timeline, and all eyes are now on February as the league prepares for a historic transition.
This update matters not only for team fans but also for players, sponsors, and the overall direction of PSL 11.
What Is the Latest Update
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the Multan Sultans franchise auction will take place on February 9, 2026.
This decision comes after the PCB completed the technical evaluation of bids earlier in February. Only bidders who met the financial, legal, and operational criteria have been shortlisted for the final auction stage.
Importantly, this auction will happen just days before a major structural change in the league.
Why This Auction Is Important
The Multan Sultans ownership auction is significant for two key reasons:
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It determines who will run the franchise for the next cycle
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It happens right before PSL’s first-ever player auction, replacing the traditional draft system
Together, these changes mark a turning point in how the league operates.
Confirmed PSL 11 Auction Timeline
Below is a clear breakdown of the key dates confirmed so far:
Key PSL 11 Dates
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January 30, 2026 – Technical bid submission deadline
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February 2, 2026 – Completion of technical evaluation by PCB
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February 9, 2026 – Multan Sultans franchise ownership auction
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February 11, 2026 – First-ever PSL Player Auction
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March 26, 2026 – PSL 11 season begins
These dates leave very little time between ownership confirmation and squad building, making preparation crucial.
Who Is Eligible to Bid
According to PCB sources, five bidders have successfully cleared the technical evaluation phase. These include:
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Local business groups
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Foreign-backed companies
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Former franchise stakeholders
Notably, Ali Tareen, the previous owner of Multan Sultans, is reportedly among the shortlisted bidders, though the final outcome will depend on the auction process.
The PCB expects strong competition, reflecting the franchise’s commercial and sporting value.
Multan Sultans Squad Status for 2026
Unlike other teams, Multan Sultans enter PSL 11 with a completely clean slate.
No Player Retentions
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The franchise has retained zero players for the 2026 season
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All previously contracted players have been released into the auction pool
This includes high-profile names such as:
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Mohammad Rizwan
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Iftikhar Ahmed
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Usama Mir
Auction Purse Advantage
Because no players were retained, Multan Sultans will enter the player auction with a full purse.
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Total purse: USD 1.6 million
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Approximate value: PKR 450 million
This gives the new owners maximum flexibility to build a squad from scratch, without any salary commitments.
How This Affects PSL 11
The timing of the franchise auction directly impacts the competitive balance of the league.
For the New Owners
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Only two days to prepare for the player auction
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Immediate decisions required on team strategy
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Fast coordination with coaching and management staff
For Players
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A larger pool due to zero retentions
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Increased competition during bidding
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Potentially higher prices for marquee players
For Fans
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A completely new Multan Sultans squad
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Fresh team identity and leadership
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Renewed excitement ahead of PSL 11
Why PCB Is Making These Changes
The PCB’s decision to move toward:
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Franchise auctions
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Player auctions
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Expanded teams
is aimed at improving transparency, financial sustainability, and global competitiveness.
The league has expanded to eight teams, and the board wants to align PSL with international league standards.
What Fans and Stakeholders Should Do Now
For those closely following PSL developments, the coming weeks are crucial.
Practical Steps
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Watch for official PCB announcements after February 9
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Track ownership confirmation before the player auction
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Follow player auction updates on February 11
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Expect rapid news flow as teams finalize squads
For Multan fans, patience is key as the team undergoes a full reset.
Short Clarity Section – Common Questions
Is the auction date final?
Yes, February 9, 2026 has been officially confirmed by PCB.
Will Multan Sultans play PSL 11?
Yes, the team will participate fully in PSL 11 under new ownership.
Can the old owner buy back the team?
Yes, if successful in the auction process.
When does PSL 11 start?
The season begins on March 26, 2026.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the Multan Sultans franchise auction on February 9, 2026 marks a decisive moment for PSL 11. With new ownership, zero retained players, and a full auction purse, the franchise is set for a complete rebuild.
As the league moves toward a player auction model and expanded competition, the decisions made in early February will shape the entire season. For fans, this signals not uncertainty, but a fresh chapter in the evolution of Pakistan Super League cricket.
