Multan Sultans owner denies franchise exit, questions PSL sustainability
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Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has denied rumours suggesting he intends to part ways with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise following the conclusion of the tournament's 10th edition.
Speaking to local media after the Sultans' 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars, Tareen clarified that while his team is reassessing its franchise agreement, there are no immediate plans to exit.
'I never said I'm abandoning Multan Sultans,' Tareen said. 'We are simply exploring options to re-evaluate our franchise agreement after the tenth edition of the PSL.'
Tareen raised concerns over the existing PSL financial model, which he described as "unsustainable." He noted that while the franchise holds the option to renew its agreement with a 25 percent increase in cost, such terms are financially burdensome.
'At that price, we're operating at a loss,' he said.
The businessman indicated a preference for re-entering the bidding process under revised conditions. 'Hopefully, we can secure the team again at a valuation that makes financial sense, similar to the Karachi Kings' $26 million deal over ten years.'
Tareen also referenced the financial difficulties of the franchise's previous owners, who, according to him, 'suffered significant losses and couldn't continue,' prompting his team to step in and stabilise the club's operations.
On the sporting front, Tareen expressed satisfaction with the Sultans' first win of the season, especially following their earlier defeat to Islamabad United.
'The coaches and I agreed there was no need to panic. We knew once we got back to Multan, we'd get things back on track,' he said.
Despite subdued public interest in PSL Season 10, Tareen reaffirmed the franchise's deep ties to its home base.
'We told the players they're playing for the people of Multan. That connection, that love – it's what drives us.'
Highlighting the success of his cricket development initiatives, Tareen pointed to 14-year-old Sheher Bano, a graduate of his cricket academy, who has gone on to represent Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
He also praised the early performances of the Sultans' development squad, competing in the President's Trophy Grade-II under the JDW banner.
Looking ahead, Tareen announced plans to bolster cricket infrastructure in South Punjab, with projects underway to construct a new stadium in DHA Multan and upgrade existing facilities in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur.
'Our goal is to create a strong regional network for talent development,' he said.
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