LAHORE, PAKISTAN – In a major shake-up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the rebellious and outspoken owner of the Multan Sultans franchise, Ali Khan Tareen, has announced his decision to withdraw from the league, concluding a protracted battle with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PSL officials.
Tareen, often known for his candid and critical views on the league’s management, confirmed his departure in an emotional farewell message to fans: “Goodbye.”
“I know I’m not liked by everybody, and I’m okay with that. But I’ve always been honest and I’ve always spoken my mind. I never learned to play it safe or just play along. That’s not who I am. And if staying with the team means compromising those principles, I only have one option,” he wrote in his farewell note. “I’d rather lose this team standing on my feet than run it on my knees. So, this is goodbye.”
The Bitter Conflict with PCB Leadership
Tareen, in his mid-30s, had been in constant confrontation with the PCB and PSL leadership, frequently mocking their policies on media and social media platforms. The feud escalated when the PCB issued him a show-cause notice demanding a public apology, which Tareen reportedly tore up, turning the situation into a major spectacle that further challenged the PCB’s authority.
The main contention arose when the PCB did not grant the franchise an extension during the renewal period, nor did they share the valuation conducted by Ernst & Young (EY). Sources suggest the PCB was contractually obligated to share all relevant information, as the franchise was neither officially suspended nor terminated.
A source familiar with the matter stated, “Since the franchise agreement was neither suspended nor terminated, Multan Sultans was a compliant franchise. In this backdrop, by not sharing the EY report and the new proposal letter, the PCB violated the contract. Moreover, the cost of the EY valuation process was done through PSL funds, and Multan Sultans had contributed to the process.”
Tareen had received a charge-sheet notice from the PSL on September 12, to which he responded on October 2. Following this, he received no further communication from the PSL management, sensing an imminent threat to his ownership.
Financial Sacrifices and Fan Appeal
Tareen revealed the heavy investment he made in the franchise, which often outweighed the returns. “Despite the economic losses year after year, I never once considered leaving the team. The Sultans have always been more than just numbers to me. And I was always willing to go to any length to save it,” he stated.
He urged fans to continue supporting the franchise, highlighting its importance to the South Punjab region: “Please know that this team has always been bigger than its owner. It belongs to you and to South Punjab. So whoever takes over the Sultans next, please keep supporting them with the same passion. You can count on me to support them from the stands too.”
Tareen acquired the Multan Sultans in 2018 for a hefty sum of $6.3 million per year after the UAE-based Schön Group stepped away, making it the most expensive franchise in the PSL at the time. Over a seven-year period, Tareen paid approximately $44 million in franchise fees to the PCB. A source revealed the total investment amounted to PKR 7.2 billion, with a return of only PKR 1.7 billion.
Multan Sultans’ Legacy and Future PSL Expansion
The Multan Sultans have been one of the most consistent franchises in the six-team league, winning the title in 2021 and reaching the finals in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons.
The PCB is now preparing to expand the league to eight teams by adding two new franchises. With Tareen’s exit, the PCB will now be looking for three new owners when the team auction is scheduled to take place in the first week of January.
