Multan Sultans owner announces exit from PSL

Ali Khan Tareen, owner of the Multan Sultans franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has ended his long-running dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board and PSL authorities, choosing to exit the league. "Goodbye," he wrote in a message to fans.

"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. I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. That simply isn't who I am. And if staying means compromising those principles there is only one choice I can make," he said in a farewell note. "I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye."

Tareen, in his mid-30s, had frequently clashed with PSL and PCB leadership, openly criticizing their policies. When the PCB served him a show-cause notice demanding a public apology, he tore it up publicly, challenging the board's authority.

At renewal time, the PCB did not grant him an extension nor share the valuation report by Ernst & Young, despite reportedly being contractually obligated to do so, as the franchise was neither suspended nor terminated.

A source said: "Since the franchise agreement had neither been suspended nor terminated, Multan Sultans was a compliant franchise. By not sharing EY reports and a fresh offer letter, the PCB was in breach of contract. The cost of the EY valuation was covered by PSL funds, to which Multan Sultans had contributed."

On September 12, the PSL served Tareen a Notice of Charge, which he responded to on October 2. Since then, there has been no communication from the PSL management.

Tareen urged fans to continue supporting the franchise: "Despite financial losses year after year, I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. Please know that this team has always been much more than its owner. It belongs to you and to South Punjab. So whoever takes control next, please keep supporting them with the same passion. You can count on me to be in the stands supporting them too."

UAE-based Schon Group initially owned the franchise. After their withdrawal in 2018, Tareen acquired the team for $6.3 million per year, making Multan Sultans the most expensive PSL franchise. Over seven years, Tareen paid approximately $44 million in franchise fees. A source stated: "Overall, he had invested PKR 7.2 billion in the PSL and got a return of only PKR 1.7 billion."

Multan Sultans were a consistent performer in the six-team league, winning the 2021 title and reaching the finals in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The PCB is preparing to expand the league to eight teams and has announced a team auction in the first week of January, seeking three new owners.