Pakistan Super League Drama takes new Turn as Sialkot rebrand as Multan Sultans after Takeover!

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a stunning development shaking up the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the franchise previously known as Sialkot Stallionz has been officially renamed Multan Sultans.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) approved the change following a majority acquisition by CD Ventures. This move revives one of the league's most popular teams just weeks before PSL 11 begins.

The rebranding came after CD Ventures acquired a controlling stake in the franchise, originally purchased by another group in January but quickly sold off due to financial difficulties. With new CEO Gohar Shah leading the charge, the annual franchise fee jumped from Rs 185 crore to Rs 200 crore. Shah pushed for the name switch to restore the iconic Multan identity, emphasizing a "Total Cricket" vision of aggressive, high-intensity play.

Fans from South Punjab erupted in joy, flooding social media with celebrations like "The Sultans are back!" The decision aims to boost regional pride and league engagement, especially after the PSL expanded to eight teams amid recent turbulence.

The Controversial Backstory of Multan Sultasn

The road to this revival traces back to late 2025, when original owner Ali Khan Tareen clashed with PCB and PSL management over contract renewals and financial issues. Tensions boiled over publicly. Tareen shredded a PCB legal notice on video, issued sharp criticisms, and accused the board of mismanagement. When negotiations failed, he refused to renew, declaring he would rather "lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees.

"His exit ended Multan Sultans' run after a strong legacy, including a 2021 title and loyal fanbase. The PCB briefly took operational control before auctioning the rights to a new consortium for a record sum. That group rebranded and relocated the team to Rawalpindi, dissolving the Multan identity and leaving South Punjab fans heartbroken. Players and supporters mourned the loss of a franchise symbolizing regional representation.

The sudden rename has sparked divided opinions. While Multan loyalists rejoice, some Sialkot fans feel let down, with calls for greater consideration of local identity. PCB officials defend it as a strategic win to heal past rifts and elevate the league's appeal.

As PSL 11 approaches on March 26, this high-stakes revival promises intense action, both on the field and in fan debates. Will the reborn Sultans reclaim their glory, or will regional tensions simmer? Cricket fans across Pakistan are watching closely for the fireworks ahead.