In a bold move that could reshape the business dynamics of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen has announced he will not be renewing his franchise agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under the current terms, branding the existing revenue-sharing and valuation model as “ambiguous and unfair.”
Speaking candidly on the ProSports podcast, Tareen expressed frustration with the way PSL franchises are valued. “Why should Multan Sultans cost three times more than Karachi Kings?” he asked sharply, questioning a model that doesn’t reflect performance or brand equity. Despite Multan’s meteoric rise—four consecutive finals and a championship title in 2021—Tareen revealed the franchise still hasn’t turned a profit.
“I could afford the 25% increase, but that would be a senseless mistake,” Tareen said, referring to the PCB’s clause allowing franchise renewals with a price hike or at a newly calculated market value. But with no clear formula or consistency in how teams are valued, Tareen said he’s walking away from the current agreement after PSL X.
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The Tareen family took over the Multan Sultans in 2018 after the original owners defaulted. Since then, they’ve rebuilt the team from the ground up, creating a performance powerhouse and establishing one of the most loyal fanbases in the league. But Tareen says promises made by the PCB—particularly about transparency, growth, and revenue planning—have largely fallen flat.
Despite his frustrations, fans need not panic. Tareen has made it clear: he’s not walking away from Multan Sultans. Instead, he plans to rebid for ownership once all franchise agreements expire. “We’ve built something meaningful here,” he said. “I’m not handing this team over to just anyone.”
With the PCB also gearing up to introduce two new franchises next season, Ali Tareen’s decision could set a powerful precedent. His challenge to the PSL’s valuation system may force the board to revisit how it handles franchise rights in the future—and just how much winning truly costs.
In a league where legacy is still being written, Ali Tareen is making sure his chapter won’t be footnoted.
