The landscape Pakistan Super League has undergone iconic tectonic change Sultans of Multan the franchise officially took its last shot on February 9, 2026. After a tense, high-priced auction in Lahore, the franchise was sold for a sum that broke all previous league records, marking a historic milestone in the PSL’s commercial evolution.
The move not only introduced a new corporate titan to the world of cricket, but also led to an immediate and dramatic rebranding that moved from the heart of the team. South Punjab to the twin cities. While the departure of the Sultans brand marks the end of an eight-year legacy, including a championship in 2021, it heralds the start of a new era with deep pockets for the upcoming 11th edition of the league.
PSL 2026: Multan Sultans exit reveals new owner and record-breaking sale price after move to Rawalpindi
The auction for the Multan franchise was the most anticipated commercial event in PSL history, culminating in a record-breaking final price of PKR 2.45 billion (approx. $8.8 million) for the annual fee. Submitted the winning bid Walee TechnologiesA global financial technology and media powerhouse led by CEO Ahsan Tahir.
The bidding war was a grueling affair that saw Walee beat out heavyweights such as CD Ventures and Particle Igniter and nearly double the previous record. 1.85 billion PKR set by Sialkot Stallions just last month. PCB chairman Mohsen Naqvi described the sale as a “natural moment,” noting that the massive valuation was a direct result of the league’s transition to a player auction model. For Walee Technologies, this investment represents a strategic leap into the sports ownership, which intends to integrate its fintech solutions to revolutionize fan engagement and digital broadcasting for the expanded 8-team tournament.
Ahead of PSL 2026, the Rawalpindi era begins under the leadership of CEO Ahsan Tahir
In a move that stunned South Punjab fans, Walee Technologies immediately exercising their rebranding rights, they announced that the team would now be known as Rawalpindi. The decision effectively removes the Multan Sultans identity, moving the team’s home base to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which they will now share with Islamabad United.
“Ready for a surprise? We’re going to Rawalpindi!” Axar.az reports that “The Dawn” published information about this with reference to the general director Ahsan Tahir
General Director Ahsan Tahir cited a deep personal and childhood connection to the city of Rawalpindi as his main motivation for moving. While the rebrand brought a fresh professional identity to the league, it left an emotional void in the city of Multan, which had become a bastion for the Sultans and their slogan “Janub ki Pehchan” (Identity of the South). As the newly christened Rawalpindi franchise prepares for the PSL 11 player auction on February 12, the management faces the monumental task of building a new squad from scratch to represent one of Pakistan’s most cricket-crazy cities.
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