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LAHORE: Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 league set a new commercial benchmark on Monday after Walee Technologies won the Multan franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) team auction with a record bid of Rs 2.45 billion.
The auction, conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at the Expo Centre in Lahore, attracted five pre-qualified bidders and marked the completion of ownership for all eight franchises ahead of the league’s 11th season.
However the owner opted for a Rawalpindi rebrand.
Walee Technologies emerged victorious after outbidding Aim Next, Particle Igniter, CD Ventures and DSM in a single round of bidding. The base price for the franchise was set at Rs 1.82 billion.
The auction was formally opened by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi while PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer outlined the league’s growth trajectory as it enters what officials described as a “new era” following its first decade.
“This fair and transparent auction has set new records,” Naqvi said, congratulating Walee Technologies on the acquisition. He added that strong investor interest reflected growing confidence in the league and said the upcoming PSL season would deliver unprecedented reach, growth and entertainment for fans.
The winning bid is the highest valuation among all PSL franchises to date, underscoring the league’s rising commercial appeal despite challenging economic conditions in the country.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the scale of the bids demonstrated the league’s financial potential after ten seasons. “We welcome Walee Technologies to the PSL family at a historic moment for the competition,” he said, adding that attention would now turn to the upcoming players’ auction.
Walee Technologies Chief Executive Ahsan Tahir said the company was excited to enter the league and contribute to the growth of cricket in Pakistan. “The journey ahead will be highly exciting as we look to engage fans and bring new developments to the franchise,” he said.
The PSL, launched in 2016, has become one of the PCB’s key revenue drivers and a major platform for emerging Pakistani talent. The 11th edition of the tournament is scheduled to be held later this year.
