KARACHI: Ahead of the historic 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans have strengthened their backroom staff, appointing former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat as their new Director of Cricket.
The appointment comes as the franchise prepares for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from March 16 to May 3.
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will open their campaign against Hyderabad Kingsmen on March 26 at their home ground.
The Sultans will begin their own campaign two days later, facing Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 28.
Yasir Arafat expressed his pride in assuming the key leadership role, with a strong legacy and professional culture embedded within the side.
He also noted the franchise’s close bond with cricket fans in south Punjab, believing Sultans to be one of the most respected outfits in the league.
“I am incredibly honored to be appointed Director of Cricket for Multan Sultans. This franchise has always stood out for its elite standards and its deep connection with the people of South Punjab,” said Arafat.
The 44-year-old outlined a long-term vision for the team, stressing the importance of strategic planning and sustained success.
While his official duties will begin after the current season, he has ensured that the groundwork has already begun to build a strong future by continuing to challenge for titles and focus on nurturing emerging talent.
“I will officially take over after the current season and my focus is entirely on the long-term plan. We are implementing a comprehensive roadmap that will not only ensure that we participate in championships every year, but also cement our reputation as a premier destination for developing world-class cricketing talent,” he added.
Sultans CEO Gohar Shah expressed strong confidence in the franchise’s new strategic direction.
He emphasized that visionary leadership is key to building a successful and sustainable franchise in the modern game.
“To build a real dynasty in franchise cricket, you can’t operate from season to season; you need a visionary blueprint that looks years into the future. Yasir Arafat brings that level of vision and elite cricketing pedigree,” Shah said.
“He understands the modern game inside out and his long-term plan aligns perfectly with our ambition to create a self-sustaining culture of excellence. Bringing him in as Director of Cricket ensures that the future of Multan Sultans is in the hands of one of the sharpest minds in the game,” he added.
According to the recently published schedule, the six franchises will play ten matches each in the group stage.
The top four teams will qualify for the play-offs in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also earmarked May 4 as a reserve day for the final.
The landmark 11th edition will be played across six venues in Pakistan, with Faisalabad and Peshawar hosting PSL matches for the first time along with Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the most matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with 11 matches.
Multan Sultan Squad for PSL 11:
Ashton Turner (catch), Mohammad Nawaz, Shejad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabriz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Bodkeeter, Josh Phillip, Muhammad Jasper, Momin Muhammad, Shaun Masmar Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Muhammad Ismail and Atizaz Habib Khan.
Multan Sultans PSL 11 Match Schedule: