Ali Tareen-led Multan consortium has won the franchise rights for the sixth team of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for seven years. Ali Tareen, who is the son of former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) secretary general Jahangir Tareen, has confirmed about winning this bid terming it a gift for the people of South Punjab.
According to a tweet by PSL, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had set the reserve price at US $5.21 million per year for a period of seven years. "This reserve price has been exceeded by the bid winners." It may be added that on November 10, the PCB had terminated the agreement which gave franchise rights of Multan Sultans PSL team to the Schon Group due to their inability to meet the financial obligations under the PSL agreement. Dubai-based Schon Group had acquired the Multan franchise for an eight-year contract worth $5.2 million (per annum) in a bid held last year, surpassing Karachi Kings as the most expensive franchise.
Following this, the PCB invited interested bidders for the sale of the team. Though a good response was received from different bidders, only two could qualify for the decisive stage, a Pakistan Cricket Board official, said. Talking to the media after the announcement, Ali Tareen said that a team from South Punjab had once again been included in the PSL, and added that they would search for talent throughout the region. "Through PSL, young talent advances," he added.
Ali Tareen said the sixth PSL team would retain Multan in its name, but called for suggestions for a second moniker for the side. "If my legal team had no reservations, I am open to retaining the 'Multan Sultans' name," he said, adding: "I also request the PCB that cricket shouldn't be dedicated to one month of the year; instead, tournaments should be held throughout the year." The fourth season of the PSL will commence on February 14, 2019 with an opening ceremony and match in Dubai.
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