February 2026 brought one of the most dramatic stories in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. At an auction at Lahore’s Expo Centre, the league invited bids for the rights to the Multan Sultans franchise after the previous ownership group decided not to renew its contract. Five shortlisted companies, including Walee Technologies, CD Ventures and Particle Igniter, bid on the team. The base price set by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was PKR 1.82 billion, but the auction quickly became a bidding war.
Walee eventually outbid its rivals, winning the rights for PKR 2.45 billion, the most expensive franchise deal in PSL history. The contract covers the franchise fee and ownership rights for ten seasons.
While reporters and fans were still processing the record sale, Walee’s CEO Ahsan Tahir sprang another surprise. Standing on stage, he asked: “Are you ready for a surprise? We will be going for Rawalpindi,” confirming that the newly acquired team would no longer be called Multan Sultans.
He explained that the new owners would make use of league rules that allow buyers to retain or rename and relocate franchises after acquisition. Minutes later, PSL officials confirmed the news: the franchise would now represent Rawalpindi, and further details about its branding and home venue would follow.
Who are Walee Technologies?
To understand the significance of this move, it helps to know more about Walee. Founded in 2015 as a group of data scientists, Walee has grown into a multinational mar‑tech and fin‑tech conglomerate. Its media division leads the development of the creator economy across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey, using the AskWalee SaaS platform and partnerships with YouTube to generate new revenue streams for hundreds of creators. The company has also expanded into finance, delivering Shariah‑compliant nano‑financing through its Hakeem app and offering asset‑management and investment‑banking services.
Walee’s technology vertical builds blockchain‑led services and advanced network operations to connect industries and strengthen digital ecosystems. These businesses are supported by a workforce of more than 500 people across six regions.
Walee’s relationship with the PSL predates the franchise auction. In 2023 the company secured digital rights to stream PSL 9 and 10, bringing cricket to more than 57 million viewers and earning praise for boosting the league’s reach. It has also been recognised as one of the fastest‑growing mar‑tech companies in South Asia. Acquiring and rebranding a PSL franchise therefore fits Walee’s ambition to be a major player in sports entertainment.
Why Rawalpindi?
The choice of Rawalpindi reflects both personal sentiment and strategic thinking. CEO Ahsan Tahir revealed that his childhood memories in Rawalpindi shaped the decision; he wanted the team to represent the city he calls home. Under PSL rules, franchises can relocate and adopt new names, and Walee exercised this right. The decision also taps into Rawalpindi’s status as a historic and populous city in Punjab.
Rawalpindi is Pakistan’s fourth‑largest city. It sits just 9 miles (14 km) south‑west of Islamabad on the Potwar Plateau. From 1959 to 1969 it served as the capital of Pakistan and remains the headquarters of the country’s army. The city retains the radial street pattern of many older towns, with a river flowing through its centre, contrasting with Islamabad’s master‑planned grid. Historically Rawalpindi grew as a garrison and commercial hub under British colonial rule, and its industries range from locomotive works and oil refineries to textiles and leather goods. Heritage walks and preservation efforts highlight Rawalpindi’s centuries‑old temples, mosques and bazaars, reflecting a cultural mosaic that dates back to the ancient Gandhara kingdom. Many residents believe the city’s historic sites and unique character deserve wider recognition.
For Walee, rebranding a PSL team as Rawalpindi taps into this rich history and gives fans in northern Punjab a team that reflects their own city. It also differentiates the franchise from other teams named after provincial capitals, aligning it with Rawalpindi’s identity as Islamabad’s twin city and as an administrative and military centre.
A new identity, familiar players
PSL fans are naturally curious about how the rebrand will affect the team’s identity. Multan Sultans built a strong cricketing legacy, winning the 2021 title and finishing runner‑up in the next three seasons. Walee has not yet announced whether it will retain the core playing squad or make wholesale changes. Under league rules, the playing rights transfer with the franchise, so fans can expect many familiar faces. The new name, however, opens the door to fresh branding, merchandise and community initiatives.
Former owner Ali Tareen voiced his bittersweet feelings on social media, posting “Janoob Ki Pehchan” (“identity of the south”) to remind fans of the team’s roots in southern Punjab. Some supporters share his nostalgia, while others are excited to see Rawalpindi represented on Pakistan’s premier T20 stage.
What happens next?
Walee plans to unveil the team’s logo, jersey and home venue in the coming weeks. Rawalpindi currently does not have a PSL‑standard cricket stadium, but the PCB may designate the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium or another northern ground as the team’s home base. Walee has hinted that it will invest in community programmes and digital initiatives to engage fans, reflecting its experience in social commerce and content creation.
Whatever the branding specifics, the sale marks a new era for the PSL. It demonstrates both the league’s financial growth, record fees highlight investor confidence and its flexibility in allowing franchises to evolve. By reimagining the Multan franchise as Rawalpindi, Walee Technologies is betting that a blend of tradition, technology and local pride will resonate with fans across Pakistan.
Illustrating the story
The image below captures the new chapter for the PSL franchise: a cricket bat and ball foregrounding an abstract skyline inspired by Rawalpindi’s historic architecture and bazaar, with digital motifs hinting at Walee’s tech roots.
Fajr Riaz is a well-talented author at Pakera.pk with expertise in creative content creation/writing and storytelling. Fajr’s strength lies in creating engaging articles, detailed guides, and straight narratives that connect with readers and give meaningful insights. With her accurate attention to detail and passion for writing, Fajr has established herself as a pivotal pillar at Pakera and is invaluable.
As a graduate in English Literature, Fajr works remotely, combining her academic knowledge with creativity to produce impactful and relatable content. Fajr also aspires to publish her own books in the future, aiming to become a prominent writer in the literary world of storytelling.
Her dedication to quality and her ability to connect with readers make her a unique and important contributor to every project she undertakes responsibility for. | Fajr’s LinkedIn
