A major franchise reset has reshaped the HBL Pakistan Super League landscape just weeks before the new season begins. Sialkot Stallionz will now compete under the revived Multan Sultans name following a strategic ownership partnership that not only changes the team’s identity but increases its long-term financial commitment to PKR 20 billion (US$ 72 million).
The announcement was confirmed at a joint press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer formalised the rebrand and leadership transition. “Sialkot Stallionz will now compete as Multan Sultans.” He further clarified, “Gohar Shah requested to change the franchise’s name after becoming CEO, and that request has been accepted,” confirming that the Pakistan Cricket Board approved the amendment after a one-time licence fee and revised franchise agreement.
The franchise had originally been acquired for PKR 18.5 billion (approx. US$ 66 million) for a 10-year term. The revised structure reflects both the strategic partnership with CD Ventures and the restored Multan identity.
Ownership shift and executive leadership
The restructuring formally positions Gohar Shah as Chief Executive Officer under the new framework. At the same briefing, Hamza Majeed stated, “With PCB and PSL approval, this strategic partnership has been finalised,” before adding, “CD Ventures’ Gohar Shah is now our strategic partner and will serve as the franchise’s CEO going forward.”
Majeed publicly endorsed Shah’s leadership, noting, “Gohar Shah’s passion and drive are even greater than mine. Seeing his energy makes me happy, and I welcome him to our league.” He also addressed supporters from the outgoing identity: “We are grateful to Sialkot Stallionz fans for their encouragement,” while assuring continuity by confirming, “There will still be an element of the Stallionz identity visible in our campaign.”
For Naseer, the moment also carried a sense of completion. “You saw him (Shah) amongst other bidders at the team auction for the Multan Sultans,” he recalled, referencing the earlier auction process. Reflecting on that period, he added, “There was a lot of desire, passion, and I think Gohar was the most disappointed when he couldn’t get the team.” Explaining the sequence of events, he noted, “At the time, I think Multan was not available, so he chose Sialkot,” illustrating how the journey has ultimately circled back to its original objective.
Restoring the Multan identity
Shah made clear that reclaiming the Multan name was central to the agreement. “It was my wish that the name Multan Sultans remain, and for me it was essential,” he stated at the press conference. Using metaphor to frame the transition, he remarked, “A stallion alone cannot win the PSL. To move forward, a stallion needs a sultan, and we have come as Sultans,” underscoring the philosophical shift behind the rebrand.
The regional significance was equally explicit. “south Punjab’s representation is back in the league,” Shah declared, positioning the move as a restoration of geographic balance within the PSL ecosystem.
Naseer echoed that sentiment during the announcement. “We welcome Gohar Shah on board as the new CEO of Multan Sultans and to the HBL PSL family.” He acknowledged the emotional pull from the southern belt, adding, “The voices of our fans from South Punjab have been heard as New Sultans now take the reigns of the Stallions.” At the same time, he addressed Sialkot supporters directly: “To our amazing Sialkot fans, we understand the nostalgia and the love you had for the Sialkot Stallions. While the team may have a new home in Multan, the spirit of Sialkot’s passion and cricketing legacy lives on and we will find ways to make it up to you! Many chapters still remain unwritten in the New Era.”
Cricketing philosophy and competitive ambition
Beyond brand identity, Shah emphasised performance and governance standards. “Bringing Multan Sultans back to represent the people of South Punjab is both a privilege and a responsibility.” He expanded on that commitment by outlining a long-term blueprint: “This franchise carries a proud legacy and our commitment is to build on that foundation with professionalism, stability and a brand of cricket that excites our fans and strengthens Pakistan’s game at every level.”
Operational clarity also featured prominently in his remarks. “Cricket should be played in a way that serves Pakistan cricket’s needs. In my opinion, the squad selected is correct. Final decisions on the playing XI and other matters will be taken once the camp begins,” signalling alignment with broader national cricket priorities.
Personal journey behind the acquisition
In a detailed statement shared via Multan Sultans’ official Instagram account, Shah connected the transaction to personal history. “It brings me profound pride and incredible joy to share this news with you: our beloved Multan Sultans, the true representatives of our region, are officially back in the HBL PSL.”
His reflection traced back to childhood. “When I think about this moment, my mind goes back to my very first memory of cricket in my village of Jalalpur Pirwala. It was a local match at one of Haveli Langs school grounds, Jalalpur Pirwala versus Balewala. I still vividly remember the uplifting atmosphere in the village that day, especially after the final ball was bowled. The joy, the unity, and the sheer energy of that community are feelings I have carried with me ever since.”
He explained the rationale behind the investment: “My motivation to acquire this franchise was built on two core pillars:” followed by, “To protect our legacy: I wanted to ensure that no one could strip our region of its right to be represented on Pakistan’s biggest stage.” The second objective extended further: “To elevate the sport: I want us to play a brand of cricket that is not only thrilling to watch but also strengthens the foundation of Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem, helping us compete and dominate on the global stage.”
Mobilising the fan base ahead of PSL 11
With the 11th edition of the HBL PSL set to begin on 26 March at Gaddafi Stadium, attention now shifts to competitive execution. Shah directly addressed supporters: “Now, I turn to YOU, our fans. Going forward, we need your absolute support and complete buy in.”
He reinforced the franchise’s recent track record: “The Sultans are a cricketing powerhouse with four finals in the last five years. We held the line to save this team, and now we expect you to hold the stands.”
Acknowledgements followed, highlighting institutional backing and advisory support. “Lastly, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his vision and decisive leadership in allowing the Sultans back in such a short timeframe. Thank you as well to PSL CEO Salman Naseer, who was instrumental in making this happen, and to my father, Barrister Najaf Shah, who, alongside Imran Ahmad Khan, provided brilliant counsel and guided us through this acquisition. To my own team, who worked day and night to make this dream a reality just one month before the competition begins: thank you.” He also credited prior stewardship: “I must also take a moment to thank the Tareen family for the immense work they put into building this franchise into the powerhouse it is today.”
The closing message encapsulated both ambition and intent: “It is time, Multan. The new Sultans have arrived.”
