Ali Tareen vs. PCB: What’s Really Happening Behind the Scenes?
The relationship between Ali Tareen, owner of the Multan Sultans, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a dramatic turn in recent days. What began as a simple disagreement has evolved into a public battle involving legal threats, governance criticism, and calls for major reforms within Pakistan’s cricketing structure. Here’s a clear breakdown of the situation and what it means for the future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
11/20/20252 min read
A Legal Notice That Sparked the Fire
The controversy escalated when the PCB sent Ali Tareen a legal notice, accusing him of breaching certain clauses in his long-term franchise agreement.
Instead of responding privately, Tareen made his stance known publicly — posting a video in which he sarcastically “apologized” before tearing up the notice.
He insisted that the PCB never attempted direct communication, claiming he received no calls or emails before being formally served. His reaction quickly went viral, creating a storm across cricket circles in Pakistan.
Tareen Claims PCB Is Avoiding Key Franchise Issues
Beyond the letter drama, a deeper issue has emerged. Tareen has accused the PCB of completely ignoring Multan Sultans during discussions about franchise valuation and renewal.
He says his team has repeatedly written to the board about:
Receiving an updated team valuation
Getting an official renewal letter
Clarifying Multan Sultans’ status in upcoming seasons
Yet, according to Tareen, the PCB has provided no response at all.
As a result, he has publicly warned that the franchise may be forced to take legal action, although he emphasized that he considers it a last resort.
Tareen’s PSL Reform Plan — A Way Forward?
Despite the tensions, Ali Tareen hasn’t closed the door on improving the PSL.
In fact, he recently proposed four major structural reforms that he believes would bring transparency and professionalism to the league:
Franchise representation in major PSL committees
A more structured and professional league management system
Transparent hiring for key administrative roles
Regular reporting and accountability to all franchise owners
Tareen described these suggestions as an effort to move forward — even joking that tearing up the legal notice was “satisfying,” but not a long-term solution.
Criticism of the Current PSL Model
Ali Tareen has also raised concerns about the overall PSL business model.
He argues that teams don’t truly own their franchises — instead, they operate more like short-term tenants.
In his view, this “rental model” discourages long-term investment and innovation.
He also points to:
Declining TV viewership
Lower stadium attendance
Reduced fan engagement
These, he says, are signs that PSL needs modernization rather than denial.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This public showdown isn’t just a personal dispute — it shines a light on long-standing governance issues within Pakistan cricket.
The PCB’s silence on franchise concerns, combined with Tareen’s push for reforms, suggests a growing need for:
Better communication
Transparent decision-making
A more investor-friendly league structure
How the PCB responds next could shape the future of PSL — and the relationship between team owners and the board — for years to come.