Lahore, March 3, 2026: In a major development ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League season, PSL franchise Sialkot Stallionz has officially been rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority acquisition by CD Ventures.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a joint press conference attended by Salman Naseer, Chief Executive of the Pakistan Super League, franchise owner Hamza Majeed and CD Ventures chief Gohar Shah.
CD Ventures has acquired a majority stake in the franchise, which was initially purchased by OZ Developers for Rs1.85 billion during the PSL auction held in January.
According to Naseer, the franchise’s valuation has now increased to Rs2 billion annually following the latest investment.
“Gohar Shah requested to change the franchise’s name after becoming CEO, and that request has been accepted,” Naseer said. “Sialkot Stallionz will now compete as Multan Sultans.”
Majeed described the development as a strategic partnership that received formal approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the PSL management.
“With PCB and PSL approval, this strategic partnership has been finalised,” Majeed said. “CD Ventures’ Gohar Shah is now our strategic partner and will serve as the franchise’s CEO going forward.”
He praised Shah’s enthusiasm and commitment to the project. “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 added.
The Sialkot-based franchise had been the subject of speculation in recent weeks amid reports that OZ Developers had offloaded a substantial portion of its shares after one of its partners withdrew shortly after the PSL auction.
Unverified claims of financial difficulties within the parent company had also surfaced. However, Majeed denied such reports last week, confirming only that discussions with CD Ventures were underway.
Speaking at the press conference, Shah confirmed his appointment as CEO and outlined his ambition to restore South Punjab’s strong representation in the league.
“A stallion alone cannot win the PSL. To move forward, a stallion needs a sultan, and we have come as Sultans,” he remarked.
Shah said retaining the Multan identity was a personal priority. “It was my wish that the name Multan Sultans remain, and for me it was essential,” he said.
He also unveiled his broader cricketing philosophy, which he termed “Total Cricket.”
“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,” he added.
Despite the rebranding, Majeed assured supporters in Sialkot that their loyalty would continue to be valued.
“We are grateful to Sialkot Stallionz fans for their encouragement,” he said. “There will still be an element of the Stallionz identity visible in our campaign.”
He further confirmed that transport arrangements would be made to facilitate Sialkot supporters wishing to attend Multan Sultans matches during the season.
The rebranding marks a significant shift ahead of PSL Season 11, which is scheduled to commence on March 26 across five venues nationwide.
