A major shake-up is underway in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as Ali Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans, has opted not to extend his seven-year tenure. Tareen cited significant differences with the PSL management as the primary reason for his decision. This development throws the league into a race against time to secure a new owner for the highly successful Multan Sultans franchise. The situation is further complicated by the PSL’s ambitious plan to expand to eight teams for its 11th season, meaning the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might need to find three new franchise owners.
Tareen articulated his profound dissatisfaction with the PSL’s operational trajectory and his interactions with its leadership. He suggested a widening rift between his vision and that of league officials and fellow owners. Despite experiencing financial setbacks year after year, Tareen stressed his dedication to the team, highlighting that the Sultans represented more than just a financial investment. “The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. And I have always been willing to go as far as needed to protect it,” he remarked in his statement.
This ownership vacuum places immense pressure on the PCB. With the remaining five franchises having already committed to renewals, the league’s expansion agenda is now at risk. The PCB faces the daunting task of sourcing three new owners if Tareen cannot be convinced to stay or if a suitable buyer isn’t found quickly. The strained relationship between Tareen and PSL management has been evident for some time, escalating after Tareen’s vocal concerns about transparency and strategic planning. The PCB’s prior legal action against Tareen further underscored these tensions. Tareen, whose family has been involved with the franchise since 2018, concluded by assuring fans that the team’s spirit endures and encouraged continued support, vowing to remain a spectator himself.