Gohar Shah reveals plan to reshape Multan Sultans | The Express Tribune

The new owner has resolved to transform Multan Sultans into a better version. Gohar Shah said that the team’s camp will begin on March 22.

“Ashton Turner has experience playing on Pakistani pitches, and having such an experienced captain will be highly beneficial for other players, especially the younger ones,” he said.

He added that the franchise will incur losses initially, but he hopes revenue will start increasing from the fourth year onward. He also mentioned that he was a left-arm fast bowler and might still have been playing if he hadn’t suffered a back injury. In the future, he also wishes for PSL matches to be held in England.

He expressed these views in an exclusive interview with Express Tribune from London. Gohar Shah said that when he couldn’t secure a franchise during the auction, he had no idea that things would turn out this way later. “However, I have always believed that whatever happens is for the better,” he said.

After the auction, he packed his bags and returned to England from Pakistan. Still, he couldn’t help but think that he wished he had secured a team or shown more courage in bidding. “Then Ramadan began, prayers were answered, opportunities opened up, and today I stand as a team owner,” he added.

He said that Quetta Gladiators’ owner, Nadeem Omar, had come to Lahore for the players’ auction and invited him for a meeting. “At that time, the idea of buying shares wasn’t in mind. During our conversation, I shared my ideas about how cricket should be played in Pakistan, which Nadeem Omar liked very much. He then offered a partnership and invited me to work together. He also invited me to sit with him as a guest during the players auction, which is why I attended,” he said.

Gohar Shah said that on the day of the players’ auction, he learned that an external investor had acquired 75% shares from Sialkot. “I realized that if shares were being sold, there might be financial issues, but since the deal seemed complete, I stayed out of it. The new partner sent a bank pay order to the PCB, which turned out to be fake or at least was never cashed. That’s when I realized the original ownership group would need support. Eventually, matters progressed, and the team came under our control,” he said.

“My intention was always to buy Multan Sultans if I ever entered PSL. Through a strategic partnership, we acquired a significant number of shares, although I did not disclose the exact percentage. However, the team’s operations are now under our control,” he added.

Responding to a question, he said that Ali Tareen is a very good person and has been supportive. “We remain in contact, and Ali’s team assisted with transferring social media accounts and other matters, even sending the mascot ‘Saeen’ costume. There is no issue between us and I even invited Ali to watch matches,” he said.

Gohar Shah said that we have made several changes to the team, adding seven new players, trading two from other franchises, and directly signing five players. “Discussions regarding further trades are ongoing, and the team will be shaped exactly as we envisioned,” he said.

He said the decision to appoint the captain was made in consultation with coach Tim Paine and other coaching staff. “Ashton Turner has been part of a Big Bash champion team for five out of the last eight years and has served as captain three times in the last five years. He has previously played for Multan Sultans and understands Pakistani conditions well. His experience will greatly help the team, especially younger players, as he knows how to win tournaments. The team camp will begin on March 22 with full participation from players and coaching staff,” he added.

On financial matters, he said the franchise will face losses initially, which we are prepared to bear for up to three years. “After that, they will review the situation. I hope revenue will grow from sponsorships, partnerships, and the next media rights deal. For now, losses are expected, but not to the extent that the team cannot be sustained till 10 years,” he said.

He also shared that my cricket journey has been long. “I wanted to become a cricketer since childhood, played Under-15 and Under-19 cricket, represented Lahore District, played first-class cricket, represented National Bank, and also played in England. Although some dreams remained unfulfilled, I view my journey positively. I was a left-arm fast bowler and might still be playing if not for my back injury, but now it is physically difficult for me to return to the field,” he said.

He added that many players know me well and have good relationships with me. “They were surprised to see me enter PSL as an owner, but have expressed positive thoughts and hope that someone who understands the game and professionalism has come forward,” he said.

Finally, he expressed hope that PSL matches will eventually be held in England, as it would bring significant commercial benefits and attract international sponsors. “We are already targeting international brands for Multan Sultans and aiming for major deals. I believe Multan Sultans is a preferred franchise for sponsors, and if the league expands abroad, we will be able to bring many international brands on board,” he said.