ISLAMABAD: From soaring heights to a dramatic downfall, the Multan Sultans’ PSL 2025 campaign has descended into one of the worst seasons in league history.
Once hailed for consistency and firepower, the Sultans now face the unwanted possibility of setting a record for the most defeats in a single season—a stunning reversal under the leadership of new franchise head, Ali Tareen.
Finals history snapshot
Islamabad United remains a model of efficiency, having won all three finals they have reached—2016, 2018, and 2024. Karachi Kings clinched the title in their sole final appearance in 2020. Peshawar Zalmi, despite reaching five finals (2016–2019, 2021), have only one title to show for their efforts (2017).
Quetta Gladiators lost back-to-back finals in 2016 and 2017 before lifting the trophy in 2019. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars emerged as a comeback story, bouncing back from their 2020 final defeat to become the only team to successfully defend a PSL title in 2022 and 2023.
Multan Sultans, uniquely, have made four consecutive final appearances from 2021 to 2024—winning once (2021) and finishing runners-up three straight times. But this season, the team’s aura has faded spectacularly.
Bright start, brutal end
Multan’s 2025 campaign began with a promise. In their opener against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium Karachi, they posted a massive 234—a commanding total in PSL standards. Mohammad Rizwan’s century, aided by late fireworks from Kamran Ghulam and Michael Bracewell, set the tone. Yet the Kings, powered by James Vince’s century off 42 balls, chased it down in the final over, handing the Sultans a humbling loss.
What followed was a dramatic free fall into chaos.
- A loss to Islamabad United in Rawalpindi after conceding 200-plus.
- A 121-run collapse while chasing 228 against Peshawar Zalmi.
- A lone win against Lahore Qalandars—their only bright spot.
- Four more defeats followed, including thrashings by 10 wickets (Gladiators), 87 runs, and 7 wickets, making them statistically the weakest side this season.
Rizwan, ever the consistent performer, is the season’s top scorer with 363 runs at an average of 60.5. But beyond him, there is a vacuum. Usman Khan is next best with an average of just 26. The bowling attack, once Multan’s strength, has imploded. Ubaid Shah (11 wickets) is their best bowler, ranked 7th on the league’s overall wicket-takers list, while David Willey and Bracewell (2nd and 3rd from Multan camp) languish near the bottom.
Drafting their own downfall
The seeds of this collapse were sown during the draft.
Forced to trim a bloated talent pool to just eight retainable players, Multan let go of key performers. Abbas Afridi, a consistent wicket-taker, was snapped up by Karachi Kings in the draft and is currently No. 2 in the wicket charts. Khushdil Shah, a reliable finisher and left-arm spinner, was not even picked—until the Kings selected him in the Diamond category. Kings GM Haider Azhar publicly expressed surprise at Multan’s decisions.
Multan also lost the services of Rilee Rossouw, James Vince, Shan Masood, Ihsanullah, and Shahnawaz Dahani—many of whom now play pivotal roles for rival teams. Vince tormented his former team with match-winning knocks in both fixtures.
The Kings—currently second on the points table—are ironically being steered by Multan’s former General Manager, Haider Azhar, who seems to have built a winning combination using the very pieces Sultans discarded.
From change to collapse
Multan Sultans’ decline coincided with a major leadership shift. After the tragic death of franchise owner Alamgir Tareen in July 2023, his nephew Ali Tareen—already a shareholder—took full charge of the team’s affairs.
With his arrival, long-serving General Manager Haider Azhar and head coach Andy Flower resigned. Hijab Zahid became PSL’s first female GM, and Abdul Rehman was promoted from assistant to head coach.
In 2024, the revamped management nearly pulled off a title—falling short only in the final. But the cracks widened this season. Poor retention choices, lack of seasoned bowlers, and a confusing mix of similar-profile batters have undone the team’s structure.
Sultans gambled on a new crop of relatively inexperienced local bowlers—Usama Mir, Hasnain, and Akif Javed—all of whom underdelivered. The English duo of Chris Jordan and Willey, although experienced, struggled on Pakistan’s batter-friendly pitches.
The absence of power hitters in the top order (with Rizwan and Hope both being anchor-style players), deprived Multan Sultans of proven match-winners in pressure situations.
Exit or redemption?
Ali Tareen has been vocal in his criticism of PSL’s scheduling and structure. Public statements hinting at not renewing the franchise ownership, combined with a passive approach to team rebuilding, have created an atmosphere of uncertainty.
What is more concerning is the apparent lack of fight in the team’s final few matches—suggesting a team that may have mentally checked out of the tournament.
In cricket, as in business, transitions demand vision. Without it, even the most successful teams can crumble—and Multan’s story this season is a cautionary tale of how quickly tides can turn.
Franchise failures are not uncommon, but how a team responds separates decline from disaster. Sultans’ recent struggles may be disheartening, but their history of consistent finals and quality cricket demands resilience from the current management and team owner.
The league, the fans, and the players deserve a stronger, revitalised Multan Sultans—and ideally, Tareen’s leadership should script that comeback. Departing now would leave a legacy defined by collapse, not comeback.
