The Pakistan Super League (PSL) might be heading for its most critical off-field moment yet — and at the center of it all is Multan Sultans owner, Ali Tareen.
Tareen, known for his passion and commitment to the game, has openly raised concerns about the league’s financial model. With the current franchise agreements set to expire after PSL 10, all eyes are now on whether he’ll stay in the game or walk away.
Multan Sultans is the most expensive franchise in the PSL, shelling out around PKR 1.08 billion per year in franchise fees. That doesn’t even include operational costs like team logistics, player salaries, marketing, and more. Despite the team’s growing fanbase and on-field success, the numbers just don’t add up.
Ali Tareen has been vocal about this. During a recent interaction with the media in Multan, he said: “We do have the option to renew our contract with a 25 percent increase on the current price. But at that price, we are operating at a loss.”
While he hasn’t said a firm no, he’s clearly keeping his options open. Tareen hinted that Multan Sultans may not renew the current contract if the PCB pushes ahead with the expected fee hike.
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Instead, he might choose to exit the agreement and rebid for the franchise — ideally, at a valuation that makes more financial sense.
“My plan is to exercise our right to exit the current agreement and rebid for the team — hopefully at a more realistic valuation,” he added, citing Karachi Kings’ $26 million 10-year deal as an example.
Insiders suggest this could be a calculated step — either to negotiate better terms or prepare fans and stakeholders for a possible exit. Sources inside the PCB were reportedly surprised by Tareen’s sudden public stance.
Just a few months ago, when the board reached out to all franchises to ask if they wanted to continue, every team — including Multan — said yes. Some believe Tareen is building pressure on the board, possibly to dissuade a steep fee hike or open doors for negotiation.
However, sources inside the PCB say there’s little room for that: “A reduction in the franchise fee is not possible. After valuation, an increase is inevitable,” one official stated.
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If the board gives in to Tareen and allows a reduced franchise fee, other teams will demand the same. That’s a slippery slope the PCB won’t want to go down. Yet, if Tareen walks, the PCB would need to re-sell the Multan franchise — possibly for over PKR 1.5 billion a year.
And in the current market? That’s a tall ask. Some industry insiders speculate that this entire scenario could impact the value of two new teams the PSL is hoping to introduce. If existing teams go for less, it becomes harder to justify higher prices for new entrants.
Still, the board insists they’re under no pressure: “Why would we devalue our league? If anyone is dreaming of buying a franchise at a low price, they will be disappointed. Many parties, both in Pakistan and abroad, are ready to join the PSL,” a PCB source clarified.
What’s clear is that Ali Tareen is unhappy with the current numbers. Whether it’s a negotiation tactic or genuine disinterest in renewing at higher costs — the message is loud and clear: Multan Sultans won’t continue at any price.
But one thing’s for sure — Tareen still loves the team, the fans, and the game. If he can find a way to make it work, he’ll stick around. If not, the Sultans might be up for grabs once again. And that could change the PSL landscape forever.
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