PCB for Multan Sultans operation for PSL 11: Mohsin Naqvi

• Naqvi says PCB wants to start PSL 11 on March 23.
• PCB chief names Wasim Akram PSL brand ambassador.
• Important 8th January Cricket Auction: Naqvi.
  

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday that the cricket board will “operate Multan Sultans” this year, with plans to auction the franchise after the conclusion of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The announcement comes a month after Ali Tareen said he was parting ways with the PSL franchise as his relations with the PCB had become strained over the past year.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chief confirmed that the cricket board will operate the franchise this year, saying “the franchise will be auctioned after the completion of the PSL”.

The Sultans were initially awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group on a $5.2 million deal, making it the most expensive franchise at the time.

However, the PCB terminated the agreement after the inaugural season when franchise payments were not made.

In 2018, Alamgir Tareen, along with his nephew Ali, acquired the franchise for $6.3 million.

Meanwhile, Naqvi said the board wanted to start the upcoming PSL season earlier than scheduled.

“We want to start PSL from March 23 instead of March 26 and the final decision will be taken after consultation with all the franchises,” he added.

The PCB chief announced that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador ahead of the upcoming edition.

On the expansion of the league, he said the bid for the two new PSL teams will be held on January 8 in Islamabad.

“It’s an important day for us and our teams will sell well,” he said, adding that ten parties have qualified for the second round of the auction.

The PCB confirmed the same a day earlier, saying its bidding committee had shortlisted 10 bidders for the second round of auction to sell the rights for two new teams in the PSL.

The PSL, which started in 2016 with five franchises and later expanded to six sides in 2018, is set to expand further with the addition of two new teams from its upcoming 11th edition, which will be played next year.

With the upcoming additions, the PSL will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, bringing the total number of franchises to eight.

On India-related cricket matters, the PCB chief said whatever happens with India “will be on an equal footing”.

“If they don’t want to shake hands, we have no such desire either,” Naqvi added.

He revealed plans to present India’s under-19 team’s conduct before the International Cricket Council (ICC).

On the management of the team, Naqvi said that no final decision has been taken yet on the appointment of the red ball team’s coach, adding that a PCB team is currently looking into the matter.