Lahore — In a significant development during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise auction on Tuesday, businessman and former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen announced that he would not take part in the bidding process for new PSL teams. Explaining his decision, Tareen said his longstanding emotional and regional connection with South Punjab guided his move, remarking that “South Punjab is where my heart is,” as the league undergoes a reshuffle ahead of its next cycle.
Tareen’s decision follows months of strained relations between him and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), primarily over franchise renewal terms and the league’s governance framework. In recent public statements, he had criticised what he described as a lack of engagement from PSL management, alleging that Multan Sultans were left out of valuation and renewal discussions that had already begun with other franchises. He had also indicated that legal options were being considered if communication gaps persisted.
Tensions escalated further in 2025 when Tareen publicly tore up a legal notice issued by the PCB, a moment that went viral across social media. The notice had warned of possible termination of his franchise agreement should he fail to withdraw his criticism of the board’s handling of PSL affairs, marking a visible breakdown in relations between the two sides.
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Tareen’s PSL journey — from owner to exit
Ali Khan Tareen’s association with the PSL began with his acquisition of the Multan Sultans franchise in December 2018, when he and his uncle Alamgir Khan Tareen won the rights to the sixth PSL team in a competitive bidding process. The franchise rights were secured for a reported US$6.3 million per year, one of the highest franchise fees in the league’s history.
Multan Sultans quickly became a competitive side in the league, including winning the PSL title in 2021 under the Tareen family’s ownership. Following the death of his uncle in 2023, Ali Tareen took over as the principal owner and steward of the franchise.
However, his relationship with the PSL board began to sour in 2025. Tareen publicly criticised the league for what he described as a “rental model,” arguing that franchise owners did not truly own their teams and calling for clearer, more sustainable financial structures. He also challenged the board’s franchise expansion and player draft system, suggesting an auction model would be more appropriate for a league entering its second decade.
The tension peaked when the PCB reportedly did not offer a renewal of the Multan Sultans’ franchise agreement for the upcoming cycle, leaving the team’s future uncertain and prompting Tareen to distance himself from the league altogether. Other PSL franchises quickly accepted new ownership terms, but the Multan Sultans remained without a renewal, solidifying Tareen’s exit.
Today’s PSL context
The 2026 PSL season is underway with expansion plans that have included adding more teams to the tournament, a move that was expected to attract significant franchise bidding interest. Major teams like Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, and others continue to hold strong positions in the league, with the PSL format double round-robin followed by playoffs providing competitive entertainment for fans.
Tareen’s withdrawal from the current auction marks a notable moment in PSL history, as his presence had often been linked with fresh ideas and outspoken commentary on how the league should evolve. His departure leaves questions about how the league will navigate franchise expansion and whether it will address calls for structural reforms from stakeholders.
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