By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Ali Khan Tareen stepped down as owner of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans on Tuesday after failing to receive a renewal offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while the league’s other five teams extended their agreements for another 10 years.
Tareen, who has owned the Multan Sultans since 2018, made the announcement in a post on the social media platform X, expressing disappointment but standing firm on his principles amid a long-running dispute with the PCB. “Despite the financial losses year after year, I never once thought about walking away,” Tareen wrote. “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 added: “I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m okay with that. But I have always been honest and I have always spoken my mind.”
Tareen’s departure marks the end of a contentious relationship with the PCB, which has been strained by his public criticisms of the league’s management and growth strategies. The conflict escalated earlier this year when Tareen questioned the PCB’s commitment to elevating the PSL amid competition from other global T20 leagues. He argued that the league’s leadership was not doing enough to preserve its status as a major cricketing brand.
Tareen’s repeated public statements prompted the PCB to issue him a legal notice for alleged breach of contractual obligations. In response, Tareen intensified his criticism, leading to a full breakdown in relations between the two sides.
Earlier, Tareen had claimed on X that he had not been approached for a franchise renewal deal, a claim that proved accurate as the PCB confirmed renewals with the other franchises over the past two days. Islamabad United and Karachi Kings were the latest to sign on, following similar extensions by the remaining teams.
“I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. That simply isn’t who I am,” Tareen said in his farewell post. “And if staying means compromising those principles there is only one choice I can make.” I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye.”
The PCB has not publicly commented on Tareen’s exit or the decision not to offer him a renewal. The PSL, launched in 2016, has grown into one of Asia’s premier T20 competitions, attracting international stars and significant viewership. Multan Sultans, under Tareen’s ownership, won the title in 2021 and have been consistent performers in recent seasons. It remains unclear who will take over the franchise ahead of the next PSL edition, scheduled for early 2026.
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