Multan Sultans New Owner Eyes ‘Total Cricket’ Approach

Multan Sultans new owner, Gohar Shah, wants his team to stay competitive throughout the PSL 2026. He has taken the charge of the franchise with a lot of ambitions, in which playing ‘total cricket' is one of his key demands from the team.

"I think the composition of squads and the selection of players at the PSL is very defensive. "Selectors, general managers, coaches, they all want to retain their jobs. So they pick teams that will do well on the day. There are not many franchises with a vision or flexibility to think bigger. A lot of decision-making in the PSL is risk-averse, whereas T20 cricket is about taking risk. It's all about taking chances.” said Gohar Shah.

He then gave the example of Jacob Bethell who was recently appointed captain at the Hundred. Gohar believes such decisions should also be taken in the PSL, so that a new generation of leaders should be developed.

"Jacob Bethell just got appointed captain at the Hundred. That's what risk-taking looks like. Unfortunately, none of the PSL sides have been brave enough to do that - maybe Islamabad United a couple of years with Shadab. But since then [no similar decisions]. Put your neck out there." said Gohar Shah.

Gohar also believes that all PSL teams are undervalued, which he considers a worrying sign for the league. He reached this conclusion after evaluating the value of IPL franchises, which are significantly higher.

"There's a scarcity value. There's a value to owning something there are only eight of in a country of 250 million people. I manage a fund and value companies day in and day out. My personal valuation methods and techniques led me to believe all the franchises in Pakistan are significantly undervalued.” said Gohar Shah.

“Especially when compared to its value across the border [in the IPL]. Short term it may be a bitter pill to swallow but longer term it makes more sense." added Gohar Shah.