‘Legal action should be last resort’ says Multan Sultans amid rift with PCB

Multan Sultans has called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for bypassing basic business norms by sending a letter of charge to franchise owner Ali Tareen without any prior engagement or discussion, deepening the rift between the two sides.

Speaking exclusively to Nukta, franchise sources confirmed that the PCB sent the letter on September 12, 2025, demanding that Tareen issue a public apology for his recent remarks about the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) on social media and in podcasts.

“The PCB never engaged with us at any stage this year, which violates fundamental partnership principles,” the sources said. “Legal proceedings should be the last resort. Ali Tareen’s comments may be strong and harsh, but they reflect the sentiment of the entire country that believes the PSL’s brand and standard have dropped.”

The sources added that Multan Sultans have paid $43 million in total franchise fees since 2019, at an annual rate of $6.35 million, making them the most expensive team in the league.

“Ali Tareen is aggrieved because he has invested in Pakistan cricket and genuinely cares about its growth,” the official said, adding that no progress has been made on HBL PSL 2026 since the 2025 final on May 19.

“The PSL’s management has stalled on decisions regarding the next media cycle, title sponsorship, and the promised independent PSL entity.”

Multan Sultans’ statement

In an official statement issued earlier today, Multan Sultans confirmed that the PCB’s notice threatened to terminate the franchise agreement and blacklist Tareen for life from owning any cricket team in Pakistan.

“Since taking over the Sultans, Ali Tareen has invested billions of rupees and personally carried losses of over PKR 7 billion, while building academies and creating opportunities for young cricketers across Pakistan,” the franchise said.

“Every statement he has made has been in the best interest of the PSL, urging the league to aim higher and do better. For the PCB management to treat constructive criticism as a crime is outrageous. Silencing honest feedback is not how great leagues are built.”

The statement described the PCB’s response as “outrageous and petty,” adding that the PSL’s management “is not open to questions or accountability, even from those who have given the most to make it stronger.”

Tareen has been one of the league’s most outspoken franchise owners, repeatedly calling for greater transparency, innovation, and long-term planning in the HBL PSL. His posts on social media over the past few months have highlighted concerns over declining fan engagement, stagnating digital growth, and what he described as “complacency” within the league’s administration.

The latest development underscores the growing tension between the PCB and its franchises, particularly Multan Sultans, over governance, commercial rights, and freedom to express dissent.

PCB officials were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts to reach them.