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LAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise operating as Sialkot Stallionz has officially been renamed to Multan Sultans.
The PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer said at a news conference at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Tuesday.
OZ Developers acquired Sialkot Stallionz franchise for Rs 18.5 billion for 10 years during a Team Auction in Islamabad and has now entered into a strategic partnership with CD Ventures.
Gohar Shah has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer for the franchise. Gohar was also among the bidders in the record-breaking auction (Multan Sultans) which was held in Lahore but failed to get the team.
The announcement for today’s strategic partnership was made in the presence of Gohar Shah and Hamza Majeed, who addressed the media alongside the HBL PSL CEO.
After the strategic partnership, Gohar, who hails from South Punjab, in his first act as CEO made a request to the PCB to change the name of Sialkot Stallionz to Multan Sultans. This request was accepted by the PCB upon payment of a one-time license fee and an increase in the franchise fee.
The 10 year franchise agreement was amended to reflect a total of Rs 20 billion as the new franchise fee. The 11th edition of the HBL PSL is set to commence on March 26, with the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
The opening fixture was also officially confirmed by Salman Naseer during the press conference.
“We welcome Gohar Shah on board as the new CEO of Multan Sultans and to the HBL PSL family,” Salman said.
“The voices of our fans from South Punjab have been heard as New Sultans now take the reigns of the Stallions,” he added.
“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.”
Meanwhile Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah said: “Bringing Multan Sultans back to represent the people of South Punjab is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
“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.”
