The Walee Group has secured the Multan franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after agreeing to a record-breaking bidding fee of Rs245 billion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Tuesday.
The acquisition marks the highest franchise fee ever paid in PSL history, surpassing the previous top bid and underscoring growing commercial interest in Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 cricket competition.
Record Franchise Fee Signals Rising PSL Valuations
According to the PCB, Walee Group’s Rs245 billion bid sets a new benchmark for PSL franchise valuations. The deal reflects heightened confidence from private investors in Pakistan’s domestic T20 league, a competition that has steadily expanded in popularity and commercial relevance since its inception.
Franchise analysts say the unprecedented fee highlights a shift in how investors view the monetization potential of Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem, fueled by broadcast deals, sponsorship growth, and expanding digital viewership.
What This Means for Multan and PSL
The Multan franchise, representing one of Pakistan’s major cricketing cities, is expected to benefit from increased financial backing under the Walee Group’s ownership. PCB officials stated that the investment will support:
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Youth development programs
- Broader community engagement initiatives
The team will also participate in the next PSL season with newly strengthened financial support, positioning it to compete more vigorously on and off the field.
Reactions From the Cricketing Community
Sports analysts welcomed the development as a positive step for Pakistan cricket, noting that strong franchise investment can elevate the league’s competitive stature and overall marketability.
“Securing a Rs245 billion bid shows serious confidence in the league’s commercial future,” said a sports economist. “If managed well, this could reshape the business model of domestic cricket in Pakistan.”
Fans have also reacted with excitement on social media, particularly supporters of the Multan team, who see the deal as a sign of big ambitions ahead.
PSL’s Commercial Growth Trajectory
The PSL has witnessed steady growth in sponsorship revenue, broadcast reach, and international attention. The franchise model, combined with cricket’s widespread popularity in Pakistan, has turned the league into a major sporting brand with significant economic potential.
With this record franchise fee, league officials and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Walee Group leverages its investment to enhance the team’s performance and fan engagement.
