The auction process for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans has been completed, and its new owners have decided to change the team’s name.
On Monday, the PSL franchise auction ceremony was held in Lahore, where Wali Technologies acquired Multan Sultans for 2.45 billion rupees.
Wali Tech is a technology-driven Media and Fintech group that has previously held the PSL’s digital rights and recently won the league’s international broadcasting rights.
After successfully purchasing the team, Ahsan Tahir, the new owner and Chief Executive of Wali Technologies, stated that they are changing the team’s name to “Rawalpindi.”
He remarked, “We were raised in the streets of Pindi. We grew up in Satellite Town, Sixth Road, and Raja Bazar, and that is where we will return.”
“Expressing disappointment over the team’s name change, former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen posted a broken heart emoji on his X handle, sparking various comments from users.”
“It is worth noting that Ali Tareen had clarified in a video message on Sunday that he would only place a bid again if the team were available at a reasonable price.”
“He stated, ‘To say that I will buy the team at any cost, regardless of the amount, will not happen. I will only place a bid that is realistic.'”
“During the bidding on Monday, Ali Tareen was not present at the Expo Center in Lahore; instead, he was represented by someone else.”
“Earlier, five companies had been declared technically qualified to bid for the Multan Sultans franchise in the PSL auction.”
“Among them was Ali Tareen, who had entered the field once again to reclaim the franchise after leaving it last year.”
“Besides Ali Tareen, Wali Tech and M-Next Inc. also participated in the bidding process. Both these companies had previously taken part in the auctions for the Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises last month but were unsuccessful.”
“It is worth noting that the Hyderabad and Sialkot franchises were sold for 175 crore and 185 crore rupees, respectively.”
“Additionally, CD Venture and Particle Ignite were the new companies participating in a PSL auction for the first time.”
“While Multan Sultans fans are disappointed by the new owners’ decision to rename the team ‘Rawalpindi,’ the residents of Rawalpindi are expressing great joy.”
“Some users are also criticizing Ali Tareen, suggesting that if he had not engaged in a dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board, the ownership of Multan Sultans would still be his today.”
“You must also feel the pain somewhere”
A user named Farid Khan addressed Ali Tareen, writing: “We missed you dearly at the auction tonight. I hope the PCB finds a way to keep the fans of Multan happy.”
Asad Irfan wrote: “Congratulations to the new owners, but we have an emotional attachment to Multan Sultans. We hope that the sentiments of the fans will be respected and the name ‘Multan Sultans’ will be retained.”
Shoaib Jatt, speaking to Ali Tareen, remarked: “You must also feel the pain somewhere that you shouldn’t have left the first team. Previously, this team was worth 100 crore, and look where its value has reached today. It’s fair that whoever has invested the money can choose a name of their liking.”
Criticizing Ali Tareen, a user named Naved Ahmed wrote: “If you were so concerned, you should have bought the team; you understand business. These emotional tweets of yours do not look good.”
Supporting Ali Tareen, Asad Raza wrote: “Today, another person has lost at the hands of the system. Brother, you gave a lot to South Punjab. Thank you.”
Who else bid for Multan Sultans besides Wali Tech?
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, a total of six proposals were received from interested parties by the set deadline. These were reviewed in a detailed and transparent manner by the PCB’s bid committee, after which five bidders were declared technically qualified.
Ali Tareen
Ali Tareen participated in the auction process through Deharki Sugar Mills. His business group is active in the sectors of agriculture and strategic investment and plays a prominent role in the national economy.
Once again, Ali Tareen had submitted documents through the same company that was declared technically qualified in the previous auction; however, on that occasion, he had suddenly withdrawn just minutes before the bidding began.
At that time, Ali Tareen stated that he would only re-bid for Multan Sultans because of his long-standing association with this franchise
In a statement released by him, Ali Tareen said that his involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has always been based on regional identity rather than business interests.
According to Ali Tareen, “After much consideration, my family and I decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction. Our connection with Multan Sultans was not limited to just owning a cricket team; it was an effort to represent South Punjab and give a voice to a region that has been neglected for a long time.”
He further stated that if he returns to the PSL in the future, it will be for the same reason. “South Punjab is close to my heart; it is my home, and if I return, I will do so with this very identity.”
In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account last week, Ali Tareen noted that he liked the new changes introduced in the PSL, including the player auction, direct signings, improved retention, and emerging rules, as well as a transparent payment system.
Key Highlights of the Acquisition:
- The Buyer: Wali Technologies (A Fintech & Media Group).
- The Price Tag: 2.45 Billion PKR.
- The Rebrand: From Multan Sultans to Rawalpindi.
- The Motive: The new owners have a deep personal connection to Rawalpindi and intend to represent their hometown.
