A call for change amid reconciliation
Ali Khan Tareen, owner of the Multan Sultans franchise, has proposed a series of structural reforms to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a letter addressed to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The move comes after a stretch of public friction between Tareen and the Pakistan Cricket Board, which began with his sharp criticism of the league’s internal workings. The rift intensified when the PCB issued a legal notice on September 12, followed by Tareen’s now-viral video tearing up the notice. In response, the board suspended the Multan Sultans from league activities, escalating tensions to their peak.
Framing the PSL as a national asset that must be stewarded through transparency and professionalism, Tareen laid out his proposals in his message and the accompanying Multan Sultans press release.
“Even though tearing the notice was quite satisfying, it’s time to move forward. In recognition of the PSL as a national asset, we’re putting grievances aside and aiming for a fresh relationship with the board. One built on transparency, cooperation and trust. To that end, I’ve written to the PCB Chairman, proposing four key reforms to strengthen how the PSL is managed,” Tareen stated in a tweet that accompanied the letter.
Even though tearing the notice was quite satisfying, it’s time to move forward.
In recognition of the PSL as a national asset, we’re putting grievances aside and aiming for a fresh relationship with the board. One built on transparency, cooperation and trust.
To that end, I’ve… pic.twitter.com/NEc3PJzez4
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) October 28, 2025
The detailed letter sent to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi includes four actionable proposals, each designed to elevate the PSL’s operational and commercial standards while fostering trust among all stakeholders.
Franchise participation in decision-making
The first reform advocates for full franchise representation across all PSL committees, sub-committees, and working groups. According to the Multan Sultans’ proposal, the current system — where only one or two franchises are represented — undermines inclusivity and limits collective wisdom.
The franchise is pushing for a shift from a top-down model to a collaborative governance structure. According to Tareen, he is poshing for equal participation in areas like scheduling, recruitment, ticketing, marketing, and match-day operations.
Structured hiring for key PSL roles
The second proposal addresses the PSL’s hiring practices, calling for franchise involvement in the recruitment of key personnel. According to Tareen, the current process — led by PCB-appointed PSL administrators — has resulted in concerns among franchises.
The suggested reform outlines a process where franchises participate from the outset — helping define roles, vet candidates, and provide feedback during final selections.
The letter emphasizes that such a structure would not interfere with the PCB’s authority, but asserts it would instead help attract top-tier talent capable of driving the PSL’s long-term growth.
Establishment of a professional league management
At the heart of Multan Sultans’ third proposal is the creation of a professional, autonomous management framework. The franchise criticised the current system as ad hoc and overly centralized, vulnerable to arbitrary decisions rather than institutional processes.
The proposed solution includes an organizational chart that clearly defines roles, departments, and lines of accountability. Dedicated divisions for operations, marketing, fan engagement, finance, and player affairs would be managed by experienced professionals under a capable executive leadership.
Importantly, the franchise argues that PSL administration should not be treated as a part-time function of the PCB, though the extent to which this is currently the case is not clear.
Transparent reporting and accountability
The final proposal concerns communication between the PSL management and its franchises. Alleging sporadic and one-directional engagement in the past, Tareen proposes monthly meetings with pre-circulated agendas, recorded minutes, and tracked action points.
According to Tareen, these structured sessions would ensure transparency across finances, ticketing, operations, marketing, and other key domains, while providing each franchise a consistent platform to provide input and raise concerns.
This system, the letter states, would help reduce misunderstandings and keep all stakeholders aligned.
A vision for collective progress
Multan Sultans’ letter pointed to its financial contributions, fan engagement efforts, and consistent involvement in league development as proof of its long-standing dedication.
Parties involved disagree on the extent to which these are pressing underlying problems that need to be resolved — but regardless, the call for reform has now been clearly, and publicly, made.
