Multan Sultans Defend Owner’s PSL Statements After PCB Notice

KARACHI: Following a notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding alleged breaches of its decade-long agreement, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans released a comprehensive statement on Thursday.

The franchise stated that the cricket governing body has asked its owner, Ali Tareen, to ‘withdraw recent critical remarks and issue a formal apology to the PSL administration’.

The Sultans defended Tareen’s recent remarks, arguing that they were made ‘in the best interest’ of the league. They also highlighted Tareen’s substantial investment, exceeding PKR seven billion, in establishing academies and fostering opportunities for emerging Pakistani cricketers.

According to the franchise’s statement: ‘Since acquiring the Sultans, Ali Tareen has invested billions of rupees and personally absorbed losses surpassing PKR 7 billion, all while developing academies and generating opportunities for young cricketers throughout Pakistan.’

The statement further emphasized, ‘Each statement he has issued has been motivated by a desire to improve the PSL, encouraging the league to pursue higher standards and achieve greater success.’

The Sultans criticized the PCB management for their handling of constructive feedback, deeming it ‘petty’ and indicative of a lack of openness to accountability within the league.

The franchise added: ‘The PCB management’s perception of constructive criticism as an offense is appalling. It reveals the current management’s narrow-mindedness and clearly indicates that the PSL is resistant to scrutiny or accountability, even from those who have significantly contributed to its growth.’

‘Suppressing candid input is not conducive to building successful leagues.’

‘His dedication to Pakistani cricket is unwavering, and his sole aim is to elevate the PSL to the level that its players and supporters deserve.’

Earlier reports indicated that the franchise could face contract termination, and its owner might be blacklisted if the PCB finds its response to the notice unsatisfactory.

Sources revealed that the PCB’s notice accused the franchise of orchestrating a campaign to diminish the cricket league’s value ahead of its tenth edition, an action perceived as an attempt to lower its valuation for the subsequent decade.

A source familiar with the situation commented: ‘The PSL is a prominent Pakistani brand. Why would anyone intentionally harm their own brand? The franchise voiced criticisms publicly but did not provide written recommendations to the PCB.’

Moreover, the franchise faces accusations of obstructing the valuation process through delaying tactics.

‘Such conduct from the franchise is unacceptable as the valuation nears completion. The franchise did not collaborate with the valuation firm, employing delaying strategies. The PCB’s notice detailed these clause violations.’

The controversy began when Ali Tareen questioned the venue selection for the player draft of the tournament’s tenth edition.

He also voiced his dissatisfaction with the choice of artist for the PSL 10 anthem, describing the singer as a ‘generic middle-aged dude’.

Tareen suggested a potential rebidding for Multan Sultans following the tenth edition, rather than renewing the contract immediately, and later challenged the PCB’s assessment of the recent season as the ‘best ever’.

Tareen questioned: ‘How is PSL 10 supposedly superior? What is the significance of these superficial claims? How will this be the premier PSL?’

He further stated: ‘Same matches, same teams. While the games are often closely contested, what distinguishes this edition? The stadiums remain the same. Is that what qualifies this as the best PSL? I am weary of these meaningless statements.’