Ali Tareen has confirmed his decision not to renew the ownership of Multan Sultans, thus ending the seven-year-long association with the PSL franchise. A heartfelt message was shared on social media in which Tareen confirmed his decision to step away from the team despite his emotional attachment to it.
A Parting Shot at PSL Management
In his statement, Tareen hinted at long-standing tensions with PSL authorities and said that he would “rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees.”
The statement reflects the ongoing tussle between Tareen and league management, as well as friction with some of the other franchise owners.
Tareen said,
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Despite financial losses each year, I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers.”
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Impact on PSL 11: Search for a New Owner Begins
The timing of the decision is not good at all. With all the other five original PSL franchises renewing their ownership deals, it leaves the PCB facing an extra challenge from Tareen’s departure. The PSL already plans to expand to eight teams for its 11th edition.
Now, with Multan Sultans also needing a new owner, the PCB has to find three buyers ahead of the next season. An unexpected complication thus started because of the standoff between Tareen and PSL management.
A Year-Long Breakdown in Relations
The Tareen-PSL fallout has heightened over the last year with the bone of contention being:
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Accusions came from Tareen that PSL lacked transparency and a long-term vision.
A legal notice by the PCB regarding contract violations and demanding a public apology.
Tareen responds with a sarcastic “apology” video, tearing up the legal notice.
Exclusion from discussions about the pre-season and not being sent a renewal offer like other franchise owners.
Tareen had also said last week that no response had come to repeated communications with the chairman of the PCB or officials of the PSL, compelling him to consider ‘legal options’.
It has been reported that the PCB recently emailed Tareen to insist that he apologise and remove all critical posts, indicating the deadlock between them is yet to be resolved.
History of Multan Sultans Under the Tareen Family
Multan Sultans entered the PSL fold in 2018, originally owned by the Schon Group. When they pulled out a year later, Tareen’s uncle, Alamgir Tareen, who is now the majority owner, took over.
Under the Tareen family’s leadership,
Multan Sultans won the 2020 PSL title.
Reached four consecutive finals
Became one of the most competitive and successful teams in the league. After Alamgir Tareen passed away in 2022, Ali Tareen was the only owner until this recent decision.
The Emotional Farewell of Tareen to Fans Tareen concluded his message with an emotive tribute to supporters of Multan Sultans:
“This team has always been more than its owner. It belongs to you and to South Punjab. Whoever takes charge next, keep supporting them with the same passion. I’ll be in the stands cheering them on too.”
ALSO READ: PSL Ownership: Major Franchises Renew Long-Term Deals
