The upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is shrouded in uncertainty as Ali Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans, has announced his withdrawal from the franchise. After seven years at the helm, Tareen will not renew his ownership, attributing his departure to fundamental disagreements with the PSL management. This move has ignited concerns within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about securing new ownership, especially with the league planning to expand to eight teams. The PCB is now scrambling to find replacement owners, potentially needing to fill three franchise slots.
Tareen conveyed a strong sense of disappointment regarding the PSL’s governance and his professional interactions within the league. He alluded to irreconcilable differences with both league administrators and his peer owners. Despite acknowledging sustained financial losses over his tenure, Tareen underscored his deep emotional investment in the Multan Sultans, asserting that his commitment was never driven solely by profit. “I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers,” he affirmed.
The departure of the Multan Sultans owner presents a significant challenge for the PCB. While other franchises have secured their renewals, the league’s expansion efforts are now facing a major hurdle. The PCB must urgently find a new owner for the Sultans and potentially two more for new teams if the expansion is to proceed as planned for the 11th season. The strained relationship between Tareen and PSL officials has been apparent, notably following Tareen’s criticisms of the league’s operational practices, which led to a legal confrontation. Tareen, who took over full control of the franchise after his uncle’s passing, expressed hope that the team would continue to thrive under new leadership, encouraging fans to maintain their steadfast support.