The End of Multan Sultans? New Owner, Record Auction Price, and a Major Name Change for PSL 2026

The End of Multan Sultans: Record Rs. 2.45 Billion Auction and the Shocking Rebrand to Rawalpindi

The landscape of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has changed forever. In a dramatic turn of events at the Expo Centre in Lahore on February 9, 2026, the most successful franchise of the last five years, Multan Sultans, was officially dissolved. In its place, a new giant has emerged. Sold for a staggering record-breaking price, the franchise is moving north, rebranding itself to represent the "Pindi Boys."

If you are a cricket fan trying to make sense of this massive shake-up, this long-form deep dive covers the auction details, the new owners, the reasons behind the name change, and what this means for PSL 11 (2026).

1. The Historic Auction: A New Valuation Milestone

The PSL 11 auction was not just about buying a team; it was a statement of the league's massive commercial growth. The auction for the rights of the "sixth franchise" (formerly Multan Sultans) began with a base price of Rs. 1.82 billion.

After an intense bidding war between five shortlisted giants—including CD Ventures, Particle Igniter, and even the former owner Ali Tareen’s Deharki Sugar Mills—it was Walee Technologies that emerged victorious.

Final Bid: Rs. 2.45 Billion (Approx. $8.8 Million USD)

Previous Record: Sialkot Stallionz (Rs. 1.85 Billion)

Ownership Period: 10 Years (2026–2035)

This record-breaking deal officially makes the new Rawalpindi-based team the most expensive franchise in PSL history. It signals a new era where technology and media firms are taking center stage in sports ownership in Pakistan.

2. Why the Name Change? From "Sultans" to "Rawalpindi"

The most controversial moment of the auction came minutes after the hammer went down. Ahsan Tahir, the CEO of Walee Technologies, announced that they would not be continuing with the "Multan Sultans" brand.

"We are moving to Rawalpindi. The city has a passion for cricket that is unmatched, and as a company based in the twin cities, it makes perfect sense for us to represent our home." — Ahsan Tahir.

Why dissolve a winning brand?

Multan Sultans was a powerhouse—winners in 2021 and four-time consecutive finalists. However, several factors led to this rebrand:

Ownership Rights: Under the new PCB contract, a buyer who pays the full auction price has the legal right to choose the city and name.

Market Dynamics: Rawalpindi and Islamabad (the twin cities) offer a combined market that is massive for digital engagement and sponsorships.

A Fresh Start: Since the previous owner, Ali Tareen, exited due to financial and governance disagreements with the PCB, the new owners wanted to distance themselves from the past and build a new legacy.

3. The Impact on South Punjab Fans

The decision has sent shockwaves through South Punjab. Multan Cricket Stadium has been one of the most vibrant venues in the PSL, often selling out within minutes. While PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed sadness over the brand's end, stating that "Multan Sultans is close to my heart," he admitted that the board could not force an investor paying Rs. 2.45 billion to keep a name they didn't want.

To appease fans in the region, the PCB has hinted that Multan will still host matches during PSL 11, even if they don't have a home team this season.

4. The PSL 11 Expansion: 8 Teams, New Rivalries

The rebranding of Multan to Rawalpindi comes at a time when the PSL is expanding to eight teams for the first time. The 2026 season will feature:

Rawalpindi (The new powerhouse)

Sialkot Stallionz (New entry)

Hyderabad Kingsmen (New entry)

Islamabad United

Lahore Qalandars

Karachi Kings

Peshawar Zalmi

Quetta Gladiators

The most exciting prospect? The "Twin City Derby." Rawalpindi playing against Islamabad United at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will likely be the most high-voltage match of the season, rivaling the famous Lahore vs. Karachi clashes.

5. Tactical Shift: No Retentions for the New Team

Because the Multan Sultans identity has been dissolved and the contract ended, the new Rawalpindi franchise will enter the PSL 2026 Player Auction with a clean slate.

No Retained Players: Unlike Lahore or Islamabad, who can keep their core players, Rawalpindi has to build from zero.

The Big Names: Rumors are already swirling. Will they target Mohammad Rizwan to keep the leadership continuity, or will they go for a local hero like Haider Ali or a global superstar?

The Auction System: PSL 11 marks the transition from a "Draft" to an "Auction" system (similar to the IPL). This gives the Rawalpindi owners a chance to use their deep pockets to outbid rivals for top-tier talent.

6. AdSense Tip: What Fans are Searching For

If you are a blogger or content creator, now is the time to target these high-volume keywords:

Who is the owner of Rawalpindi PSL team?

Why did Multan Sultans change their name?

PSL 11 Auction Date and New Teams.

Rawalpindi vs Islamabad United Rivalry.

These topics are currently trending in Pakistan and the UAE, providing a perfect opportunity for high-CPC (Cost Per Click) AdSense traffic.

7. Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter

The sale of Multan Sultans for Rs. 2.45 billion is a testament to the strength of the PSL brand. While the loss of the "Sultans" is a bitter pill for many to swallow, the birth of a dedicated Rawalpindi franchise brings a fresh energy to the league. With a record-breaking price tag comes massive expectations. Will the "Pindi Boys" be able to replicate the on-field success of the Sultans? Only time will tell.

What do you think of the rebranding? Is Rawalpindi a better choice than Multan for the PSL? Share your thoughts in the comments below!