Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has been voicing concerns about the HBL PSL financial model. PHOTO: PCB
KARACHI:
The conflict between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Multan Sultans has escalated sharply, as franchise owner Ali Tareen has openly declared war on the board. In a video statement, Tareen mockingly “apologized” to the PCB while tearing up the legal notice sent to him.
He criticised the PSL administration, saying they never contacted him to resolve issues through dialogue:
“You never wanted to work together with stakeholders — you just want us to sit quietly and nod to whatever you say. I never received a phone call, email, or message from the PSL management to discuss any issue; instead, you sent me a legal notice. If you think threats will silence me, you’re mistaken. I love this league.”
In a sarcastic tone, Ali Tareen said:
“I apologize for trying to make PSL better. I apologize for raising my voice when I saw problems. I’m sorry for not being satisfied with your mediocre mindset. I’m sorry for criticizing your terrible opening ceremony and the disorganized player draft. I apologize for expecting capable and educated people in PSL management — though that seems impossible. I apologize for pointing out that the singer at the opening ceremony was lip-syncing instead of performing live, and that the microphones malfunctioned during the draft.”
Full details of the PCB’s legal notice revealed
The complete contents of the PCB’s seven-page legal notice (sent on September 12) to Ali Tareen have now come to light. The notice accuses him of repeatedly making false, malicious, baseless, and defamatory statements about the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on various social media platforms.
According to the PCB these statements are not only contrary to facts but were made intentionally to damage the reputation of PSL and, consequently, the PCB.
This conduct violates the Franchise Agreement signed on January 27, 2019.
The notice states that before the start of PSL 10, the board held multiple meetings involving all franchises and stakeholders.
Ali Tareen — or his representatives — either failed to attend some meetings, arrived late to others, or remained completely silent when present. He provided no constructive suggestions regarding planning or vision for the upcoming season.
The PCB expressed “grave concern” that despite this, Tareen made publicly negative and defamatory comments about the PSL and PCB. His only suggestion during these sessions was to hold the player draft in England, which was rejected by other franchise owners.
He also attended the post-season debrief meeting, where all franchises discussed the league’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Every franchise representative gave input — except Tareen, who stayed silent throughout. The next day, however, he falsely claimed on social media that franchises’ opinions were not sought, and that the meeting was one-sided with the PCB declaring everything “great.”
The notice alleges that Ali Tareen’s real motive was to devalue the PSL brand, knowing that the franchise rights valuation would soon be reassessed.
By doing so, the renewal fee for his franchise would rise only slightly. Alternatively, PCB claims his plan might have been to lower the league’s market value, discourage potential bidders from buying new teams at high prices, and acquire the Multan franchise cheaply in a future bidding process — without real competition.
PCB described this behavior as an attempt to damage Pakistan’s premier sports brand for personal gain.
Other franchise owners also reportedly expressed disappointment and displeasure over Tareen’s conduct — both publicly and privately. They even urged the PCB to take action, alleging he had deliberately tried to harm PSL’s promotional campaign and reduce its market value.
The board, however, avoided public confrontation during the league itself.
The PCB also noted a controversial post from Multan Sultans’ official social media handle, where the owner announced a $1,000 reward for any player who hit a rival on the helmet with the ball.
PCB said this raised serious questions about Ali Tareen’s professionalism and suitability as a franchise owner.
The notice listed several of his previous statements, accusations, and PCB’s responses to each. It stated that the board would pursue separate defamation proceedings against him.
For now, the PCB issued the legal notice under clauses of serious breach of franchise obligations, giving Tareen 21 days to respond.
He was asked to issue a public apology and retraction of all his controversial remarks; otherwise, the PCB reserved the right to:
• Terminate the franchise agreement under Clause 13.1,
• Blacklist him from any future acquisition of PCB assets or commercial rights, and
• Invoke Clause 13.2(c), which allows immediate contract termination if any act by the franchise or its owner harms the reputation or integrity of the PSL, PCB, any team, or the game of cricket itself.
