Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has quashed rumours of exiting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after its 10th edition, following a 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars on April 22, 2025.
Speaking to local media, Tareen affirmed his dedication to the franchise and expressed concerns regarding the PSL’s financial model, indicating a need for a strategic reassessment to ensure long-term sustainability.
“I never said I’m abandoning Multan Sultans,” Tareen stated, dispelling speculation. He explained that the franchise is reviewing its agreement with the PSL, which is set to expire post-season. The current option to renew at a 25% cost increase is “unsustainable,” leading to losses. Tareen prefers re-entering the bidding process under fairer terms, citing Karachi Kings’ $26 million, 10-year deal as a model. He noted past owners’ financial struggles, which his team resolved by stabilising operations.
Tareen described the PSL’s financial structure as burdensome, with high costs outpacing revenue for many franchises. “At that price, we’re operating at a loss,” he said, advocating for a revised valuation to secure Multan Sultans’ future. This critique aligns with broader discussions on PSL’s economic viability, as franchises balance fan engagement with profitability.
https://t.co/i7fNVFOZ0u pic.twitter.com/TEItJA9208
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) April 23, 2025Despite an early loss to Islamabad United, Tareen expressed confidence in the Sultans’ recovery, highlighting their recent win as evidence. “We knew once we returned to Multan, we’d get things back on track,” he said, praising the team’s strong bond with its fanbase. The passionate home crowd fuels the Sultans’ performances and reinforces their regional identity.
Cricket Development Initiatives
Tareen emphasised his commitment to promoting cricket in South Punjab. Sheher Bano, a 14-year-old player from Tareen’s academy, now represents Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. The Sultans’ development team performs well in the President’s Trophy Grade-II under the JDW banner. Plans include the construction of a new stadium in DHA Multan and upgrading facilities in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur, which aim to create a strong talent pipeline.
Read: Ali Tareen Slams PSL for Letting ‘Same Middle-Aged Dude’ Helm Its Official Anthem
Tareen’s critique of the PSL’s financial model is valid, given reported franchise losses, but his call for re-bidding risks uncertainty if terms remain unfavourable. The focus on South Punjab’s cricket infrastructure is promising, yet the timeline and funding for projects like the DHA Multan stadium remain unclear, raising questions about execution. As Tareen noted, public interest in PSL 10 appears low, suggesting a need for broader league reforms to boost engagement. His academy’s success with players like Sheher Bano demonstrates impact, but scaling this regionally requires sustained investment.
