Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, calling the team “very close to his heart” amid speculation about his potential exit following PSL Season 10. Speaking after the Sultans’ 33-run win over Lahore Qalandars, Tareen said he remains deeply invested in the future of the club and is exploring strategic steps beyond the current franchise agreement.
“I never said I’m abandoning Multan Sultans,” Tareen told local media. “We have absolute clarity on our next steps as part of our process of re-evaluating our franchise agreement after the tenth edition of the PSL.”
PSL financial model unsustainable, says Tareen
Tareen emphasized that the league’s existing financial model puts franchises at a disadvantage.
“We do have the option to renew our contract with a 25 percent increase on the current price. But at that price, we’re operating at a loss,” he explained. “My strategy and approach is to exercise our right to exit the current agreement and rebid for the team – hopefully at a more realistic valuation, similar to Karachi Kings’ $26 million deal over ten years.”
He also highlighted the instability faced by the team’s previous ownership: “They suffered significant losses and couldn’t continue. We stepped in, and now we’ll look to bid again under better terms.”
Multan Sultans bounce back in PSL 10
Commenting on the team’s on-field performance, Tareen praised the Sultans’ bounce-back win at home.
“After the loss to Islamabad United in Rawalpindi, we were focused on bouncing back at home in Multan,” he said. “The coaches and I agreed there was no need to panic. We knew once we got back to Multan, we’d get things back on track.”
While acknowledging the subdued buzz around the tournament this year, Tareen said the players remain motivated by their connection with fans. “We told the players they’re playing for the people of Multan. That connection, that love – it’s what drives us.”
Tareen Cricket Academies producing next-gen talent
Tareen also spotlighted the year-round work of the Tareen Cricket Academies for both men and women, pointing to rising stars like Sheher Bano.
“One standout story is Sheher Bano, a 14-year-old girl who joined us with no cricket experience. She’s now represented Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers,” he shared.
He also praised the performance of the JDW development squad in domestic competition: “Our development squad is participating in the President’s Trophy Grade-II and I am pleased that they have done well – taking first innings lead points in a drawn match and then winning by 10 wickets in the second.”
New infrastructure plans for South Punjab
Looking ahead, Tareen laid out his vision for expanded infrastructure across South Punjab to support grassroots cricket and professional development.
“We’re working on building a stadium in DHA Multan, as well as enhancing facilities in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur,” he revealed. “The goal is to create a strong, coordinated network across South Punjab for our teams and academies.”
