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Multan Sultans
ملتان سلطانز
Nickname(s)Janoobis[1] (lit.'Southerns')
LeaguePakistan Super League
Personnel
CaptainPakistan Mohammad Rizwan
CoachPakistan Abdul Rehman[2]
Bowling coachEngland Catherine Dalton
England David Parsons
Fielding coachNew Zealand Will Lintern
OwnerPakistan Ali Tareen
ManagerPakistan Hijab Zahid[3]
Team information
CityMultan, Punjab, Pakistan,
Founded2017; 8 years ago (2017)
Home groundMultan Cricket Stadium
Capacity35,000[4]
History
PSL wins1 (2021)
Official websitewww.multansultans.com

Home kit

Away kit

Multan Sultans[a] is a Pakistani professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team representing Multan, a city in southern Punjab, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The team was established in 2017 as the sixth franchise of the league, added ahead of the third season.[5][6] The team plays its home matches at the Multan Cricket Stadium.[7]

Initially, the franchise was owned by Schön Properties for US$41.6 million over eight seasons, but the contract was terminated in 2018 after payment defaults.[8] Later that year, a consortium led by Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen acquired the team.[9] Alamgir Tareen became the sole owner in 2021 and remained in that role until his passing in 2023.[10] The franchise is currently managed by the Tareen family group.[11]

Multan Sultans won their first PSL title in the 2021 season by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final.[12] The franchise reached the finals in four consecutive seasons between 2021 and 2024, winning once and finishing runners-up three times, establishing itself as one of the PSL’s most consistent sides.[13]

The team is currently coached by Abdul Rehman, with Mohammad Rizwan serving as captain since 2021.[14]

Franchise history

[edit]

In April 2017, a few weeks after the conclusion of the 2017 Pakistan Super League, PSL chairman Najam Sethi announced that a sixth team would be added for the third season.[6] The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) short-listed five regions as possibilities for the new franchise.[15] In June 2017, the franchise was officially established after Schön Properties won the bid for an eight-year contract against ten other contesting bidders.[5]

On 10 November 2018, the PCB announced that the franchise agreement with Schön Properties had been terminated and all rights in respect to the franchise were returned to the board. The termination followed the franchise’s failure to pay the annual fee required by the PCB.[16][17] The PCB temporarily took over the management of all player and coaching contracts while launching a new public tender to sell the repackaged rights for the franchise.

In December 2018, the Multan Consortium, led by Alamgir Khan Tareen and Ali Khan Tareen, won the bid for the team.[18] In 2021, Alamgir Khan Tareen became the sole owner of the franchise[9] and remained in that role until his passing in 2023. The franchise is currently managed by the Tareen family group.[19]

In 2025, the franchise became involved in a public dispute with the PCB regarding the Pakistan Super League's financial and operational structure. In April, franchise owner Tareen criticised the board's approach to the league's expansion and revenue model, arguing that the upcoming season lacked meaningful innovation despite being promoted as the "biggest ever."[20] Later that month, reports indicated that the franchise might seek fresh bidding terms due to the PCB's new requirement of a 25% increase in annual franchise fees.[21] On 23 October 2025, the PCB issued a suspension and termination notice to the Multan Sultans over alleged contractual breaches, warning that the team's rights could be revoked if the issue was not resolved.[22] Sultan's future participation in the league is uncertain pending a legal resolution between the board and franchise.[23]

Performance in PSL

[edit]

2018 season

[edit]

In its debut season, the team was captained by Shoaib Malik.[24][25] Tom Moody and Wasim Akram were appointed as head coach and director respectively[26][27] with Haider Azhar as general manager of cricket operations and Nadeem Khan the team's manager.[27][28][29]

The side won its first match, defeating defending champions Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets[30] but finished fifth in the league table, winning four matches and losing five with one no result. They did not make the playoffs.

2019 season

[edit]

Ahead of the 2019 season, Johan Botha, who had been assistant coach during the previous season, was appointed as head coach, replacing Moody, who withdrew from his role due to domestic commitments.[31] Wasim Akram also left the team, joining Karachi Kings.

The Sultans started their season against Karachi Kings with a close defeat[32] and went on to win only three matches, again finishing fifth and failing to make the playoffs. Captain Shoaib Malik was the leading run scorer with 266 runs,[33] while Shahid Afridi took 10 wickets to be the team's leading wicket taker for the season.[34]

2020 season

[edit]

Ahead of the 2020 season, Shan Masood was named team captain[35] and Andy Flower became the team's head coach.[36] The side reached the playoff stage of the competition for the first time after finishing top of the group. They lost both of their playoff matches and did not reach the competition final finishing third overall.

2021 season

[edit]

In 2021, Multan finished second in the group stage and went on to win the PSL final for the first time. After winning the first qualifier match against Islamabad United, who had finished top of the group stage, Multan progressed straight to the final where they beat Peshawar Zalmi by 47 runs and won their first title.

2022 season

[edit]

Multan Sultans demonstrated a dominant performance in the tournament, securing the top position in the points table. Winning 9 out of 10 matches, they remained undefeated until losing the finals against Lahore Qalandars.

2023 season

[edit]

Multan Sultan played very well in this season they were on 2nd position in table before playoff and after first playoff they directly Qualify to the final after winning the match from Lahore Qalandar which was on the top of point table. However, in the final Lahore Qalandar won the final by very narrow margin of 1 runs.

2024 season

[edit]

Team identity

[edit]

The team's logo and kit was revealed in September 2017.[37] The team's anthem Hum Hain Multan kay Sultans for the 2018 season was sung by Waqar Ehsin. Pakistan film stars Momal Sheikh, Javed Sheikh, Ahsan Khan, Neelam Munir and actress Sadia Khan were the team's star ambassadors for the 2018 season.[38][39]

Year Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor (front) Shirt sponsor (back) Chest branding Sleeve branding
2018 Lake City Fatima Group Mughal Steel Inverex, Super Asia
2019 Pepsi Afsaneh Lay's OLX, Asia Ghee Mill F.C.
2020 Fatima Group Kurkure Pepsi, Asia Ghee, Shell V-Power
2021 G.F.C Fans Snack Video, Asia Ghee
2022 Wolf777 News Asia Ghee, Shell V-Power, Nishan-E-Haider Builders and Developers
2023 AJ Sports Asia Ghee, Shell V-Power, Samaa TV
2024 Gym Armour Moiz Steel Asia Ghee, KFC
2025 Audionic, KFC Asia Ghee

Current squad

[edit]
Key
  • Players with international caps are listed in bold.
  •  *  denotes a player who is fully unavailable.
  •  *  denotes a player who will be partially unavailable.
No. Name Nationality Birth date Category Batting style Bowling style Year signed Notes
Batsmen
13 Usman Khan  Pakistan (1995-05-10) 10 May 1995 (age 30) Diamond Right-handed 2023
14 Kamran Ghulam  Pakistan (1995-10-10) 10 October 1995 (age 30) Gold Left-handed Right-arm off break 2025
27 Tayyab Tahir  Pakistan (1993-12-26) 26 December 1993 (age 31) Silver Right-handed 2025
88 Yasir Khan  Pakistan (1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 27) Supplementary Right-handed Right-arm medium 2024
All-rounders
23 David Willey  England (1990-02-28) 28 February 1990 (age 35) Diamond Left-handed Left-arm fast-medium 2024 Vice-captain
50 Michael Bracewell  New Zealand (1991-02-14) 14 February 1991 (age 34) Platinum Left-handed Right-arm off break 2025 Overseas
95 Iftikhar Ahmed  Pakistan (1990-09-03) 3 September 1990 (age 35) Diamond Right-handed Right-arm off break 2024
50 Muhammad Amir Bakri  Pakistan (2002-07-07) 7 July 2002 (age 23) Supplementary Right-handed Right-arm leg break 2024
Wicket-Keepers
16 Mohammad Rizwan  Pakistan (1992-06-01) 1 June 1992 (age 33) Platinum Right-handed 2021 Captain
17 Ashton Turner  Australia (1993-01-25) 25 January 1993 (age 32) Sliver Right-handed 2024 Overseas
67 Shai Hope  West Indies (1993-11-10) 10 November 1993 (age 32) Supplementary Right-handed 2025 Overseas
Bowlers
12 Faisal Akram  Pakistan (2003-08-20) 20 August 2003 (age 22) Silver Left-handed Left-arm unorthodox 2024
24 Usama Mir  Pakistan (1995-12-23) 23 December 1995 (age 29) Platinum Right-handed Right-arm leg break 2023
34 Chris Jordan  England (1988-10-04) 4 October 1988 (age 37) Gold Right-handed Right-arm fast-medium 2024
78 Mohammad Hasnain  Pakistan (2000-04-05) 5 April 2000 (age 25) Gold Right-handed Right-arm fast 2025
90 Akif Javed  Pakistan (2000-10-10) 10 October 2000 (age 25) Silver Left-handed Left-arm fast-medium 2025
85 Curtis Campher  Ireland (1996-03-20) 20 March 1996 (age 29) Silver Left-handed Slow left-arm orthodox 2025 Overseas
31 Shahid Aziz  Pakistan (2002-01-15) 15 January 2002 (age 23) Emerging Right-handed Right-arm off break 2025
45 Ubaid Shah  Pakistan (2001-02-20) 20 February 2001 (age 24) Emerging Right-handed Right-arm medium-fast 2025

Administration and coaching staff

[edit]
Position Name
Manager Pakistan Hijab Zahid
Head coach Pakistan Abdul Rehman
Assistant and development coach Pakistan Bilawal Bhatti
Fast bowling coach England Catherine Dalton
Spin bowling coach England David Parsons[40]
Fielding Coach New Zealand Will Lintern
Strength and conditioning coach South Africa Drikus Saaiman
Assistant spin bowling coach England Alex Hartley
Director of Strategy United States Nathan Leamon
Director of Franchise Development Pakistan Asser Malik
Physiotherapist Pakistan Javed Mughal
Source:MS Team management

Captains

[edit]
Player From To Mat Won Lost Tie&W Tie&L NR %
Shoaib Malik 2018 2019 20 7 12 0 0 1 36.84
Shan Masood 2020 2020 11 6 3 0 1 1 65.00
Mohammad Rizwan 2021 present 58 33 25 0 0 0 56.89

Source: ESPNcricinfo. Last updated: 26 March 2024

Result summary

[edit]

Overall result in PSL

[edit]
Year Pld Won Loss Tie&W Tie&L NR SR (%) Position Summary
2016 Team did not exist
2017
2018 10 4 5 0 0 1 44.44 5/6 League-stage
2019 10 3 7 0 0 0 30.00 5/6 League-stage
2020[b] 11 6 3 0 1 1 65.00 1/6 Playoffs (3rd)
2021 12 7 5 0 0 0 58.33 2/6 Champions
2022 12 10 2 0 0 0 83.33 1/6 Runners-up
2023 12 7 5 0 0 0 58.33 2/6 Runners-up
2024 12 8 4 0 0 0 66.66 1/6 Runners-up
Total 79 45 31 0 1 2 56.96 1 title
  1. ^ Punjabi and Urdu: ملتان سلطانز
  2. ^ In this season, their match against Quetta Gladiators was abandoned due to rain.
  • Tie+W and Tie+L indicates matches tied and then won or lost in a tiebreaker such as a bowlout or one-over-eliminator ("Super Over")
  • The result percentage excludes no results and counts ties (irrespective of a tiebreaker) as half a win

Source: ESPNcricinfo, Last updated: 26 March 2024

Head-to-head record

[edit]
Opposition Span Mat Won Lost Tie Tie+W Tie+L NR SR (%)
Islamabad United 2018–present 16 8 8 0 0 0 0 50.00
Karachi Kings 2018–present 15 7 7 0 0 1 2 50.00
Lahore Qalandars 2018–present 19 10 9 0 0 0 0 52.63
Peshawar Zalmi 2018–present 16 11 5 0 0 0 0 68.75
Quetta Gladiators 2018–present 13 9 4 0 0 0 0 69.23

Source: ESPNcricinfo, Last updated: 26 March 2024

Statistics

[edit]
As of 26 March 2024

Most runs

[edit]
Player Years Innings Runs High score
Mohammad Rizwan 2021–present 71 3443 110*
Shan Masood 2019–2023 42 1,318 88
Rilee Rossouw 2020–2023 41 1,117 121
Sohaib Maqsood 2018–2022 28 771 85*
Khushdil Shah 2020–2024 45 680 70*

Most wickets

[edit]
Player Years Innings Wickets Best bowling
Imran Tahir 2018–2022 37 53 3/7
Usama Mir 2023–present 24 41 6/40
Abbas Afridi 2022–2024 25 39 5/47
Shahnawaz Dahani 2021–2024 27 39 4/5
David Willey 2022; 2024–present 19 28 3/22


See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Multan Sultans are a professional cricket franchise representing the city of in , and competing in the (PSL), the country's premier T20 league. Introduced as an ahead of the 2018 season, the franchise has established itself as one of the PSL's most consistent performers, qualifying for the in multiple editions and securing the league title once in 2021 by defeating in the final. The franchise was owned by businessman Ali Khan Tareen, who took full control following the 2023 passing of his uncle Alamgir Khan Tareen, but in November 2025 opted not to renew his ownership ahead of PSL 2026, prompting the (PCB) to invite bids for the franchise rights with technical proposals due by 30 January 2026. The team emphasizes a balanced squad blending local talent with international stars, focusing on aggressive batting and versatile bowling. Under the captaincy of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan since 2021, the Sultans have prioritized data-driven strategies and player development, reaching the PSL final in 2021 and achieving top-table finishes from 2022 to 2024, including runner-up positions in 2022 and 2024. The current head coach, Abdul Rehman, leads a coaching staff that includes spin specialist and fast bowling coach , contributing to the team's reputation for nurturing young Pakistani players like and Iftikhar Ahmed alongside overseas contributors such as David Willey. Despite facing ownership challenges and league controversies in 2025, including public disputes with the (PCB) and finishing last in the season, the Sultans remain a fan favorite in southern , symbolizing regional pride and drawing large crowds to home matches at .

History

Establishment

The Multan Sultans franchise was founded in June 2017 as the sixth team in the (PSL), when Dubai-based secured the rights through a competitive bidding process against ten other contenders, committing to an eight-year valued at US$41.6 million (US$5.2 million annually). The establishment aimed to extend the PSL's footprint to southern , a region historically underrepresented in Pakistan's premier T20 league, with the team based in to foster local cricket enthusiasm and development. Under ' initial ownership, the franchise underwent rapid organizational setup, including participation in the PSL's player draft on November 12, 2017, where Multan Sultans selected key talents such as as their first pick in the platinum category, alongside pre-draft acquisitions of nine players announced on October 10, 2017. Preparations also involved branding efforts and logistical planning for their debut in the 2018 season, with Asher Schon credited for building the team's early identity. These steps positioned the Sultans for entry into the league, emphasizing a roster blend of international stars and local prospects to represent southern Punjab's cricketing aspirations. However, Schön Properties' failure to pay the required franchise fee led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to terminate the agreement on November 10, 2018, just after the team's inaugural season. In response, the PCB swiftly re-awarded the rights to a consortium led by businessman Alamgir Khan Tareen and his nephew Ali Khan Tareen, who submitted a winning bid of US$6.35 million per year for the remaining seven years of the contract, exceeding the reserve price of US$5.21 million annually, receiving formal approval on December 20, 2018. This transfer ensured continuity for the franchise, with the new owners committing to retain the Multan Sultans name and focus on elevating cricket infrastructure and participation in the Multan region.

2018 season

The 2018 season represented the inaugural campaign for Multan Sultans in the (PSL), introducing the franchise as the league's first expansion team and bringing the total to six sides. Under the captaincy of , the squad was bolstered by high-profile overseas signings including wicketkeeper-batter and all-rounder , complemented by experienced Pakistani players such as pace bowlers and , as well as spinners and Kashif Bhatti. Multan Sultans began their PSL journey impressively, defeating defending champions by 7 wickets in the opening match on February 22 in , where Sangakkara's unbeaten 52 set the tone for a comfortable chase. They followed with a dominant 43-run victory over on February 23, powered by a century from and tight bowling from Junaid Khan. Additional key wins came against by 9 wickets on March 3 in Sharjah, highlighted by half-centuries from Shehzad and Rossouw, and a 19-run defense against on March 6, where Malik's all-round contribution proved decisive. Despite these successes, the team struggled with inconsistency, suffering losses in critical encounters that derailed their playoff aspirations, including a 5-wicket defeat to on February 25 and a narrow 2-wicket loss to on March 7. A 63-run thrashing by on March 10 ultimately eliminated them from contention. Concluding with 4 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no-result match across 10 league fixtures, Multan Sultans finished 5th on the points table with 9 points and a of -0.191, failing to qualify for the . All league-stage matches for the 2018 season were hosted in the due to ongoing security arrangements, marking a transitional debut for the franchise without games at their designated home venue, .

2019 season

The 2019 season marked the second year for Multan Sultans in the (PSL), following a change in ownership to the Ali Tareen-led consortium, which stabilized the franchise after the previous year's transfer. continued as captain, providing leadership continuity from the inaugural campaign. Key acquisitions through the player draft and replacements included English opener and West Indian [Andre Russell](/page/Andre Russell), who joined as a late replacement for Australian batsman Steve Smith after his selection was affected by a prior ban; other notable additions were fast bowler Junaid Khan and Daniel Christian, aimed at bolstering the batting and bowling depth. Despite these reinforcements, the Sultans struggled throughout the league stage, securing only three victories in ten matches and finishing fifth on the points table with six points and a of +0.173, ahead of on the same points tally due to their inferior NRR of -0.837. Their wins came against (twice, by five and six wickets) and (by seven wickets), but they suffered heavy defeats to top teams like (eight-wicket and six-wicket losses) and (five-wicket and seven-wicket margins), often chasing unsuccessfully on turning pitches. Batting collapses were a recurring issue, with the team relying excessively on foreign stars like (who averaged 44.33) while local batsmen provided inconsistent support, leading to early eliminations from playoff contention. Internal team dynamics were hampered by form slumps and limited injuries, including the premature departure of Russell after four matches for international duties and fitness concerns surrounding veteran , who struggled with spin bowling effectiveness. Poor fielding, attributed to slower players like and Mohammad Abbas, compounded execution errors, while captaincy decisions—such as underutilizing all-rounders on spin-friendly surfaces—drew criticism for tactical missteps. These factors contributed to a disappointing campaign, highlighting the need for better balance in squad composition and local talent integration.

2020 season

The 2020 season marked a significant turnaround for Multan Sultans under new captain , who took over leadership following the team's struggles in previous years. Appointed just before the tournament, Masood provided stability and tactical acumen, guiding the side through a challenging campaign disrupted by the global . The Sultans played their league matches across multiple venues in , including brief utilization of their home ground in for early fixtures. In the league stage, Multan Sultans achieved a strong record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 2 no-results from 10 matches, accumulating 14 points and securing first position on the points table with a of +1.031. Standout performances came from Moeen Ali, who contributed 132 runs and 5 wickets, earning honors in key victories, and batsman James Vince, who scored 176 runs at an average of 29.33, including a match-winning 61 against . These efforts propelled the team to their first playoff qualification, a notable improvement from prior seasons. The season was heavily impacted by the outbreak, with the tournament suspended on March 17, 2020, after an initial positive test in the camp, leading to an eight-month hiatus. Upon resumption in November 2020, all remaining matches, including , were held in a strict bio-secure bubble across and to mitigate health risks. This logistical shift affected team morale, as Multan Sultans were without key players like and , who tested positive for the virus, and , unavailable due to international commitments. Despite these challenges, the Sultans made their playoff debut, losing the Qualifier to in a before exiting in Eliminator 2 against by 25 runs, ending the season without silverware but with renewed promise.

2021 season

The 2021 season marked a breakthrough for the Multan Sultans in the (PSL), as they secured their maiden title after finishing as runners-up in the previous edition. Under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed captain for his debut season in the role, the team demonstrated resilience by overcoming a mid-season slump to qualify for the playoffs. Rizwan's strategic acumen and consistent performances with the bat provided stability, while key contributions from middle-order batters Sohaib Maqsood and overseas recruit bolstered the lineup during crucial phases of the tournament. In the league stage, contested across venues in Pakistan and later shifted to the UAE due to protocols, the Sultans recorded five wins and five losses in their 10 matches, accumulating 10 points and securing second place on behind . Their victories included dominant performances against teams like , where they posted high totals and restricted opponents effectively, showcasing an improved bowling attack led by players such as and Shahnawaz Dhani. This tally translated to seven overall wins when including the , highlighting the team's momentum heading into the postseason. The Sultans' path to the final involved a convincing 31-run victory over in the Qualifier, where they defended 180 to advance directly. The season culminated in a commanding 47-run win against in the final at in on June 24, 2021, where the Sultans posted 206 for 4 in 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from (50 off 20 balls) and an unbeaten 65 from Sohaib Maqsood off 35 balls. Zalmi managed only 159 for 9 in response, with Maqsood earning honors for his all-round impact. This triumph, the first for the franchise since its inception in 2018, was a testament to coach Andy Flower's tactical preparations and the squad's depth, including overseas stars like Lynn, who contributed explosive cameos earlier in the tournament. The victory sparked widespread celebrations in , the team's home city, with fans gathering for parades and public events that underscored the franchise's growing connection to the region. This title win elevated the Sultans' legacy, establishing them as a competitive force in the PSL and inspiring local talent development, while Rizwan's success as captain further solidified his reputation within Pakistani cricket. The achievement also highlighted the franchise's turnaround from early-season struggles, cementing its status as a title contender for future seasons.

2022 season

The 2022 season marked Multan Sultans' attempt to defend their PSL title from the previous year, with captain Mohammad Rizwan leading the side after a successful retention strategy that preserved much of the core squad from their championship-winning campaign. The team retained seven key players, including Rizwan and as platinum picks, alongside , Sohaib Maqsood, Abbas Afridi, and , emphasizing continuity in batting and to build on their 2021 momentum. This approach allowed the integration of explosive talents like and opener , who bolstered the middle order and top-order stability, respectively. In the league stage, Multan Sultans delivered a dominant performance, securing 9 wins and 1 loss across 10 matches to finish first on the points table with 18 points and a of +1.253. Their campaign highlighted exceptional batting depth, with Rizwan anchoring the innings while Masood and provided firepower; for instance, in a thrilling chase against , Rizwan (69 off 42) and Masood (83 off 50) steered the team to a record 207-run pursuit with 10 balls to spare, underscoring their top-order resilience. Dominant home victories further showcased this strength, including a comprehensive 117-run thrashing of at , where the Sultans posted 210/3 before restricting the opposition to 93 all out, powered by half-centuries from Rossouw and . Another home masterclass came against , winning by 42 runs after setting 182/7, with David's late onslaught exemplifying the lower-order depth that troubled opponents throughout the phase. Advancing to the playoffs, Multan Sultans extended their form with a 10th win in the qualifier against , posting 163/2—led by Rossouw's unbeaten 65 and Rizwan's 53—before bowling out the opponents for 135, thanks to Shahnawaz Dahani's 3/19. However, their title defense faltered in the final at , where posted 180/5 and restricted Multan to 138 all out, securing a 42-run victory to claim their maiden PSL crown. Rizwan was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent leadership and 452 runs at a of 132.35, capping a season of near-perfection that ended in runner-up honors.

2023 season

The 2023 season marked the Multan Sultans' third consecutive appearance in the (PSL) final, as they finished second in the league stage with six wins and four losses before advancing through the playoffs. Mohammad Rizwan continued as , leading the with 550 runs at an average of 61.11, including four half-centuries, to become the tournament's top run-scorer. The Sultans secured seven overall victories and five defeats across the league and playoffs, culminating in a narrow one-run loss to in the final at , , on March 19. Key contributions came from all-rounder Abbas Afridi, who claimed 23 wickets—the most in the tournament—while also scoring 118 runs, providing crucial breakthroughs with his medium-pace and lower-order hitting. Batter added 240 runs at a strike rate of 169.14, highlighted by a match-winning 67 off 28 balls in a 57-run victory over during the league stage. Notable highlights included upset victories over , such as a thrilling six-wicket win chasing 196 in Match 11 at , where Rossouw's unbeaten 71 steered the chase despite a late collapse. The Sultans' spin bowling proved particularly effective, with taking 22 wickets, second overall, and forming a potent attack alongside Abbas Afridi that restricted opponents in key games, including the Qualifier win over by seven wickets. Fan engagement grew notably in the Multan region, with packed crowds at home matches like the 25,000-plus attendance for the season opener against , reflecting rising local support for the franchise as PSL returned to full-capacity venues post-COVID restrictions. This enthusiasm contributed to the team's sustained contention, despite occasional batting inconsistencies.

2024 season

The 2024 season of the marked the fourth consecutive finals appearance for Sultans, under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, who led the team with consistent batting contributions totaling 297 runs at an average of 42.42. The side demonstrated strong balance, particularly through explosive middle-order batting from Usman Khan, who emerged as the team's leading run-scorer with 430 runs at a strike rate of 164.12, including two fifties and a highest score of 120 . David Willey played a pivotal all-round role, claiming 17 wickets at an economy of 8.28 while contributing 38 runs, bolstering the pace attack alongside Abbas Afridi and . Multan Sultans finished the league stage in first place with 7 wins and 3 losses from 10 matches, accumulating 14 points and securing a direct spot in Qualifier 1. They advanced by defeating by 7 wickets in the Qualifier, chasing 146 with Usman Khan's unbeaten 36 anchoring the innings, resulting in an overall tournament record of 8 wins and 4 losses. The campaign featured high-scoring triumphs, such as a 55-run victory over where Multan posted 185 for 2, driven by ' 74 and Dawid Malan's 55. Their pace bowling unit dominated several outings, restricting opponents below 150 runs in five league games, with Willey's swing and seam movement proving decisive in low-scoring thrillers like the 5-wicket win over . In the final at Karachi's National Stadium, Multan Sultans batted first after winning the toss, managing 159 for 9, with Rizwan scoring 26 and Iftikhar Ahmed unbeaten on 32 off 20. chased the target with 2 wickets and 4 balls to spare, led by Shadab Khan's all-round performance, ending Multan's title aspirations despite their dominant run. Following the season, Multan Sultans prepared for the 2025 draft by retaining seven key players on January 4, 2025, including captain Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder as platinum picks, Usman Khan as a silver category retention, and emerging talent Mohammad Ilyas, aiming to maintain core stability amid administrative continuity.

2025 season

Mohammad Rizwan continued as captain for the Multan Sultans in the 2025 season, leading a squad that retained key players like leg-spinner in the platinum category and incorporated new draft picks such as all-rounder David Willey and batsman Iftikhar Ahmed. The team aimed to build on their streak of four consecutive finals appearances from 2021 to 2024, but the campaign quickly unraveled into one of the franchise's most challenging outings. The Sultans managed only one win in their 10 league matches, finishing in last place with the worst win percentage (10%) in the team's history. Batting collapses defined the season, with the team frequently posting low totals, including scores of 107 all out against , 89 all out in another fixture, and 117 all out versus . Key low points included a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to , where the Sultans were skittled for 89 while chasing a modest target, allowing Quetta's openers and to chase it down unbeaten with 79 balls remaining. Another nadir came against , who posted 204/4 and bowled out for 117, resulting in an 87-run thrashing that highlighted ongoing top-order frailties. The early elimination from playoff contention marked a stark contrast to the franchise's recent success, prompting introspection on squad composition and strategy. In the immediate aftermath, tensions escalated off the field as the (PCB) issued a suspension notice to the franchise on October 23, 2025, citing breaches of contract related to financial obligations and operational disputes, including critical remarks from owner Ali Tareen against PCB management. As of November 2025, the dispute remains unresolved. This development cast uncertainty over the team's future participation in the league.

Identity and facilities

Branding and colors

The Multan Sultans' name draws inspiration from the historical Multan Sultanate, a medieval Islamic dynasty that ruled the region from the 15th to 16th centuries, reflecting the city's legacy as a political and cultural hub in southern Punjab. This connection underscores the team's role in celebrating 's ancient heritage, often referred to as the "City of Saints" due to its Sufi traditions. The franchise's nickname, "Janoobis," meaning "Southerns" in , emphasizes its representation of the Janoob (south) region, building a sense of regional pride among supporters. The team's logo was first unveiled on September 22, 2017, during a ceremony in , featuring a stylized astride a while holding a , symbolizing the fusion of royal authority and athletic prowess. This emblem evokes the historical sultans' battlefield dominance, adapted to the modern context of T20 . A revised version launched on January 14, 2019, incorporated more vibrant elements laced with passion, enthusiasm, and motifs drawn from South Punjab's cultural palette, aiming to better capture the area's dynamic spirit. The team's primary colors are yellow and green, representing Multan's fertile soil and mystic past, and the peace-promoting Sufi shawls prevalent in the region, respectively. Uniforms and branding materials have evolved to include variations such as purple, gold, blue, and white. Seasonal variations have included special designs, such as kits celebrating their PSL 6 title win in 2021. Kit suppliers have evolved, with AJ Sports serving as the apparel partner from PSL 7 in 2022, providing performance-oriented fabrics, while Gym Armour took over as official manufacturer for PSL 9 in 2024, introducing urban blue tones blended with teal green for a fresh, vibrant aesthetic. Gym Armour continued as the official manufacturer for PSL 10 in 2025. Recent away kits for 2024 and 2025 maintain blue dominance with white trims, adapting to contemporary trends while honoring heritage. Branding extends to and fan merchandise that ties deeply into regional heritage, with products like embroidered caps, scarves, and jerseys incorporating Sufi-inspired patterns and motifs from Multan's shrines. These items, sold through channels and partners, promote the "Janoobis" identity, encouraging fan through campaigns that highlight the city's Sufi and architectural legacy, such as the shrines of and .

Home ground

The Multan Cricket Stadium, located in Multan, Punjab, serves as the primary home ground for the Multan Sultans franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Opened in 2001, the venue was constructed to replace the older Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium and quickly became a key cricket facility in southern Punjab, hosting its inaugural international match—a Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh—in August of that year. With a seating capacity of 30,000, the stadium features modern floodlights for day-night matches and a well-maintained outfield that supports high-paced play. Prior to the Sultans' entry into the PSL in 2018, the stadium underwent significant renovations funded by the (PCB), including upgrades to seating, drainage systems, and broadcasting infrastructure to meet international T20 standards. These improvements enabled the venue to host its first PSL matches that season, marking the return of top-tier franchise to after years of limited use due to concerns. The pitch at is typically flat and batting-friendly in T20 , often producing high scores, but it tends to favor spin bowlers as the match progresses due to its dry, turning nature. Attendance has been strong since the franchise's debut, with approximately fans attending three fixtures across the 2020 season, reflecting robust local support for the team. In instances of scheduling conflicts or logistical issues, such as during the 2025 PSL season, the Sultans have utilized alternate venues like in for designated home games. The stadium includes dedicated training facilities, such as practice nets and gym areas adjacent to the main ground, supporting player preparation during PSL campaigns. Fan zones and hospitality enclosures enhance the spectator experience, contributing to the venue's role in fostering . Hosting PSL matches has provided an economic boost to through increased , local revenue from accommodations and merchandise, and investments that benefit the region beyond .

Management and staff

Ownership and administration

The Multan Sultans franchise was acquired by the Tareen family in December 2018 through a consortium led by Alamgir Khan Tareen and his nephew Ali Khan Tareen, securing ownership rights for seven years at a cost exceeding the reserve price of USD 5.21 million annually. Following Alamgir Tareen's death by suicide in July 2023, Ali Tareen became the principal owner, continuing to oversee the team's strategic direction and investments, which have reportedly exceeded PKR 7 billion in personal contributions. The administrative team is headed by General Manager Hijab Zahid, who was appointed in August 2023 as the first female general manager in (PSL) history and the youngest at age 28. In her role, Zahid manages day-to-day operations, including financial affairs such as franchise fee payments and budgeting, while handling key relations with the (PCB) on regulatory compliance and league participation. In late 2025, the franchise faced significant challenges when the PCB issued a suspension notice on October 23, 2025, citing alleged financial irregularities, including delays in franchise fee settlements, and operational non-compliance stemming from public criticisms by owner Ali Tareen against PSL management. The notice threatened contract termination and a potential blacklist for Tareen, escalating tensions over broader issues like league and franchise contributions, which Multan Sultans claims have outpaced even title sponsor payments over seven years. Post-dispute developments in 2025 have focused on governance restructuring, with Multan Sultans submitting reform proposals to the PCB for improved decision-making and transparency, amid the original contract's expiration in December 2025. The PCB has initiated processes to potentially reassign ownership, engaging financial institutions for a new franchise cycle starting PSL 11, which could involve a sale or full restructuring to ensure league stability. As of November 2025, Multan Sultans remains the only PSL franchise yet to receive an ownership renewal offer from the PCB. Following Ali Khan Tareen's decision not to renew the contract, the PCB invited bids for the franchise rights in January 2026, with technical proposals due by January 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM to [email protected]. This move was influenced by high demand following the successful sale of two new PSL franchises, and the PCB will operate the team during PSL 11 before transferring ownership.

Coaching staff

Abdul Rehman has served as the head coach of Multan Sultans since September 2023, when he was promoted from his role as assistant coach, a position he held for the previous five seasons. Prior to Rehman's appointment, led the team as head coach from 2020 to 2023, guiding them to their maiden PSL title in 2021 and a runners-up finish in 2022. The franchise's inaugural head coach was , who oversaw the team during its debut seasons in 2018 and 2019. The current support staff includes assistant and development coach Bilawal Bhatti, who joined in a player capacity in 2020 but transitioned to coaching to focus on nurturing emerging talent. coach was appointed in October 2023, becoming the first coach in men's PSL history and emphasizing technical precision and for pace bowlers. coach joined in May 2025, with assistant spin coach Alex Hartley, who began her tenure ahead of PSL 9 in 2024, continuing into 2025 and bringing expertise from her international playing career to refine variations and control for spinners like . Fielding coach Will Lintern was added in April 2025, tasked with improving athleticism and standards through specialized drills. Under Rehman's leadership, the coaching staff has prioritized an emphasis on spin bowling since the 2021 title win, leveraging home conditions at Multan Cricket Stadium to build a balanced attack that contributed to the team's consistent playoff appearances through 2024. This approach, combined with dedicated development roles, has fostered player growth, particularly among young Pakistani talents, by integrating data analytics and personalized training programs. The inclusion of diverse coaches like Dalton and Hartley has enhanced team culture, promoting inclusivity and innovative techniques that supported a strong bowling unit despite the team's early exit in the disappointing 2025 season. Following that underwhelming performance, where Multan Sultans crashed out after recording their lowest-ever PSL total in a key match, the staff underwent internal reviews, though no major personnel changes were announced by November 2025.

Squad and leadership

Captains

The Multan Sultans have had three captains in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, each contributing to the team's evolution from a debutant franchise to consistent contenders. Shoaib Malik served as the inaugural captain from 2018 to 2019, providing stability during the team's early years by leveraging his extensive T20 experience to guide them to their first playoff appearance in 2018. Under Malik's leadership, the Sultans secured key victories, including an opening win against the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2018, which helped establish a competitive foundation despite inconsistent results across his tenure. Shan Masood took over as captain for the 2020 season in a brief interim role, marking a transitional phase after coaching changes aimed at revitalizing the squad. Masood's leadership saw the Sultans qualify for the playoffs, reaching the eliminator stage, with a balanced record that included notable contributions from the bowling unit. Mohammad Rizwan has been the longest-serving captain since 2021, transforming the Sultans into PSL powerhouses with a win percentage of 56.90%. His tenure includes leading the team to their maiden PSL title in 2021 and runners-up finishes in 2022, 2023, and 2024, showcasing tactical acumen in high-pressure knockout stages. In 2025, Rizwan encountered challenges, resulting in a last-place (sixth) league finish.
CaptainTenureMatchesWinsLossesWin %
Shoaib Malik2018–20192071235.00
2020125745.45
Mohammad Rizwan2021–202558332556.90

Current squad

As of the conclusion of the 2025 (PSL) season, the Multan Sultans' consisted of 18 players, adhering to PSL regulations that limit franchises to a maximum of 18 members, including a balance of local and overseas talent. The team featured four platinum category picks, with Mohammad Rizwan serving as and wicketkeeper-batter. Overseas players were capped at eight in the , though only four could feature in the playing XI per match rules, emphasizing a mix of international experience and domestic strength. Key roles were distributed across batsmen, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, and bowlers, with several mid-season replacements due to withdrawals and unavailability of foreign players including , , David Willey, and Chris Jordan. The squad composition reflected strategic picks from the PSL 2025 draft and supplementary categories, including emerging local talents like supplementary pick Muhammad Amir Barki. Below is the categorized roster:
CategoryPlayer NameRoleNationalityNotes
Platinum (Captain)Mohammad RizwanWicketkeeper-BatterLocalLeader and key opener
BatsmenIftikhar AhmedMiddle-order BatterLocal
Muhammad Amir BarkiBatterLocalSupplementary pick
Middle-order BatterLocal
Yasir KhanTop-order BatterLocal
Wicketkeeper-BatterUsman KhanWicketkeeper-BatterLocal
All-roundersLocal
Local
Michael BracewellForeignReplacement
ForeignReplacement for Motie
BowlersPace BowlerLocal
Faisal AkramLeft-arm SpinnerLocal
Leg-spinnerForeignReplacement
Pace BowlerForeignReplacement
Pace BowlerLocal
Ubaid ShahPace BowlerLocal
Leg-spinnerLocal
Following the PSL 2025 season, the franchise faced significant uncertainty due to a suspension issued by the (PCB) on October 23, 2025, for alleged breaches of contract involving owner Ali Tareen. As of November 15, 2025, the PCB excluded Multan Sultans from PSL franchise renewal offers due to non-compliance, with bidding opened for two new teams in the expanded eight-team PSL 2026. This led to a termination notice and potential dissolution of the franchise, impacting player retentions ahead of the expanded PSL 2026 season, which will feature eight teams and stricter retention limits of four to five players per side. As a result, the current squad's continuity is in doubt, with implications for the upcoming draft and possible redistribution of players if the suspension persists.

Records and statistics

Overall results

The Multan Sultans have competed in the (PSL) since its third season in , accumulating a total of 89 matches played up to and including the 2025 season, with 44 wins, 44 losses, and 1 no-result, yielding a win rate of 50%. This record underscores their emergence as one of the league's most consistent performers in recent years, particularly in the league stage and . In playoff appearances, the Sultans secured their sole PSL title in 2021 by defeating in the final, while finishing as runners-up in three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024, and reaching the semi-finals in 2020.
SeasonPositionPlayedWinsLossesNo ResultsPoints
20186th101902
20195th103706
20204th1064012
20211st1081117
20221st1073014
20231st1073014
20241st1073014
20256th101902
The table above summarizes the Sultans' league-stage performance across all seasons, highlighting their progression from early struggles to dominance in the top position from 2021 to 2024, before a sharp decline in 2025 that saw them finish bottom with minimal points. Regarding home and away splits, the Sultans have historically enjoyed a stronger record at home, winning approximately 60% of matches at compared to around 50% on the road up to 2024, benefiting from familiar conditions and crowd support. However, the 2025 season marked a notable decline, with only 1 home win out of 5 and 0 away victories in 5, contributing to their overall poor performance and failure to qualify for .

Head-to-head records

The head-to-head records of Multan Sultans against other (PSL) franchises reflect a mixed performance across their eight seasons from 2018 to 2025, with notable dominance over certain opponents and recent setbacks against others. These statistics encompass all league and playoff encounters, excluding any abandoned matches. Multan Sultans hold a strong advantage over , having secured the majority of victories in their rivalry, while their record against deteriorated following consecutive losses in the 2025 season, marking it as their weakest matchup by the end of PSL 10.
OpponentTotal MatchesMultan Sultans WinsOpponent WinsTies/No Result
2111100
181170
171250
165110
175120
Multan Sultans' most lopsided success has been against , where they maintained a commanding lead throughout most seasons, including key playoff contributions. In contrast, the 2025 campaign saw Multan Sultans struggle against and , with losses in both league fixtures against each, contributing to their overall playoff absence that year. Against , Multan Sultans built on their 2021 final victory to hold a slight edge, despite Peshawar's strong showings in 2025. The balanced rivalry with , featuring split results in the 2025 league stage, underscores the competitiveness of this matchup.

Leading performers

Mohammad Rizwan holds the record for the most runs scored for Multan Sultans in the , with 3,403 runs at an average of 46.00 through the 2025 season. In PSL 2025, Rizwan scored 367 runs in 10 innings at an average of 52.43. remains the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker with 53 wickets at an economy rate of 6.80 across his tenure from 2018 to 2022. has become a prominent figure in recent seasons, claiming 42 wickets for Multan Sultans up to 2025, including 24 in 2024 alone, positioning him as the current pace-setter in the bowling department. The following table summarizes the top 5 run-scorers for Multan Sultans in PSL history (up to 2025):
PlayerRunsAverageHighest Score
Mohammad Rizwan3,40346.00110*
1,20034.00100*
1,00035.0088*
Sohaib Maqsood90028.0074
80022.0057
The top 5 wicket-takers for the franchise are listed below (up to 2025):
PlayerWicketsAverageBest Figures
5317.004/18
4218.506/10
3620.005/10
Abbas Afridi2822.003/16
2524.003/13
In the 2025 season, Multan Sultans endured a challenging campaign marked by several low team totals, including their lowest-ever PSL score of 89 all out against and subsequent collapses to 107 and 108 against . Individual performances reflected this struggle, with key bowlers like managing only 4 wickets across 7 matches and contributing minimally with the bat, such as scoring 11 in the 89-run innings.

References

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