LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the selection of five out of six bidders for the much-anticipated auction of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans ahead of the historic 11th edition from March 26 to May 3.
According to the cricket board, its bidding committee went through a “thorough and transparent” evaluation process, which included five bidders who were “technically qualified” to participate in the team bid, with the venue and date to be announced in due course.
“A total of six proposals were received from interested parties within the specified deadline. The PCB Bidding Committee then undertook a thorough and transparent evaluation process,” the cricket board said in a statement.
“Out of six proposals, five (5) bidders were called as technically qualified and they will now participate in the bidding process of Multan Sultans. The date and venue for the auction will be shared in due course,” it added.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer said he was happy to receive more interest from parties to acquire the franchise.
“We are delighted to receive so much interest in selling the Multan Sultans franchise. HBL PSL congratulates the technically qualified bidders and appreciates all parties involved with us throughout the tender process; we will continue to explore other exciting opportunities with them,” Naseer said in his statement.
“I’m sure the fans are equally excited for another exciting team auction before turning their attention to the bidding of all important players for HBL PSL 11. The final line-up of eight HBL PSL team owners is going to set the ball rolling for the new era of HBL PSL 11.”
“Stay tuned for more updates on HBL PSL. Exciting times await.”
The development comes two days after sources suggested Ali Tareen, the franchise’s former owner, is keen to regain ownership of the 2021 champions.
Sources say that Tareen, who decided against renewing the ownership contract after the 10th edition of the marquee league due to differences with the PCB, has decided to participate in the team’s bid.
Notably, the PCB last month formally invited bids for the franchise by issuing an advertisement to attract interested parties.
The deadline for submission of documents for technical proposals has been fixed till January 30.