Ali Khan Tareen formally exited his role as the owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chose not to offer him a renewal. His departure comes at a time when the remaining five franchises — including Islamabad United and Karachi Kings — successfully renewed their agreements for the next decade.
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In a heartfelt note shared on X, Ali Tareen described the decision as painful but inevitable, stating that the franchise had always held deep personal value for him. Despite bearing financial losses every season, he said quitting was never an option until it became clear that the relationship with the PCB had reached a breaking point.
Ali Tareen expressed that the Sultans were more than a business venture and that he had fought to protect the team at every step. He acknowledged that his outspoken nature often clashed with the league’s management, noting that he never learned to “play it safe” or compromise on principles. According to him, staying under conditions that demanded silence or compliance would have gone against everything he stood for.
Tensions between Tareen and the PCB intensified earlier this year when he openly criticised the board’s handling of the PSL, particularly its strategy for keeping pace with the rapid growth of international T20 leagues. His concerns centered around what he saw as insufficient planning to safeguard PSL’s competitive edge.
The disagreement escalated when the PCB issued him a legal notice for “breach of contractual obligations”, which Tareen countered with continued criticism. The situation deteriorated further, ultimately leading to a complete breakdown in communication. In recent weeks, Tareen repeatedly stated that he had not been approached for renewal, a claim proven accurate when the PCB finalised extensions for all other teams.
The decision leaves Multan Sultans, one of the PSL’s most consistent and competitive sides, in a period of uncertainty. While the team has performed strongly on the field, the absence of a renewed ownership structure raises key questions about its future direction.
With Tareen’s exit, the franchise now awaits clarity on who will take over its ownership and how the transition will affect both management and long-term planning. The development also marks a significant moment in PSL history, closing a chapter characterised by both passionate leadership and contentious relations.
