By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has said that he will not renew his ownership of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise, ending a turbulent seven-year tenure marked by success on the field and deepening disputes off it.
In a statement posted on social media, Tareen said he was “bidding farewell” to a team he had taken over after the 2022 death of his uncle, majority owner Alamgir Tareen. The announcement came shortly after the league’s five other franchises confirmed renewals for the PSL’s 11th edition.
Tareen appeared to direct a parting shot at league management, saying he would “rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees,” a remark echoing months of friction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other stakeholders.
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” he said. “Despite the financial losses year on year, I never once thought about walking away. 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.”
His decision complicates preparations for next season. The PSL is already planning to expand from six to eight teams, requiring two new owners. If Tareen exits without a settlement, the PCB will be tasked with finding a third.
Relations between Tareen and PSL management have deteriorated for close to a year. The Multan owner has repeatedly accused the league of lacking transparency and long-term vision. The PCB responded by issuing a legal notice alleging violations of ownership terms and demanding a public apology. Tareen replied by posting a sarcastic “apology” video in which he tore up the notice.
In the weeks that followed he was increasingly excluded from discussions for the upcoming season and was the only franchise owner not to receive a formal renewal offer. Last week, he said Multan Sultans had received no replies to communications with either the PCB chairman or PSL executives, and warned of legal action.
The Sultans were launched in 2018 under the Schon Group, who withdrew a year later. Under Alamgir and Ali Tareen, the team won the PSL in 2020 and reached four consecutive finals, becoming one of the league’s strongest performers. Tareen ended his statement by urging supporters in South Punjab to stand behind the franchise regardless of new ownership.
“Please know that this team has always been much more than its owner,” he said. “It belongs to you and to South Punjab. So whoever takes control of the Sultans next, please keep supporting them with the same passion. You can count on me to be in the stands supporting them too.”
