Latest news with #Sultans'
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Multan Sultans owner denies franchise exit, questions PSL sustainability
Listen to article 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.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSL 10: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen denies exit rumours
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has dismissed speculation suggesting he plans to part ways with the franchise after the ongoing 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10). Speaking to local media following the Sultans' 33-run win over Lahore Qalandars, Tareen stated, 'I never said I'm abandoning Multan Sultans. We are simply exploring options to re-evaluate our franchise agreement after the tenth edition of the PSL.' Tareen cited concerns over the financial model currently in place, calling it unsustainable. 'We do have the option to renew our contract with a 25 percent increase on the current price. But at that price, we're operating at a loss,' he said. PSL 10: Yasir, Ubaid hand Multan Sultans their first win The businessman indicated his intention to exit the existing agreement and re-enter the bidding process under more favourable terms. '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 acknowledged the struggles faced by the franchise's previous owners, saying they 'suffered significant losses and couldn't continue,' prompting his team to step in and stabilise operations. On the field, Tareen expressed satisfaction with the Sultans' first win of the tournament, particularly after a loss to Islamabad United earlier in the week. '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. Amid muted fanfare around PSL Season 10, Tareen reaffirmed the team's commitment to its regional supporters. 'We told the players they're playing for the people of Multan. That connection, that love – it's what drives us.' PSL 10: Can Multan Sultans get it right this time? Tareen also highlighted the growth of his cricket academies, citing the success story of 14-year-old Sheher Bano, who progressed from the academy to represent Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers. He further noted the performance of the franchise's development squad in the President's Trophy Grade-II, where they have shown early promise under the JDW banner. The Multan Sultans owner also revealed plans to strengthen cricket infrastructure across South Punjab. 'We're working on building a stadium in DHA Multan and upgrading facilities in Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur,' he said, adding that the objective is to build a robust regional network for talent development.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Ubaid's wild celebration hits Usman during Multan Sultans' HBL PSL win
An unexpected moment unfolded during Multan Sultans' first win of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 when Ubaid Shah's intense wicket celebration led to an accidental blow to teammate Usman Khan. Multan Sultans fast bowler Ubaid Shah's celebration turned chaotic during a PSL 10 fixture against Lahore Qalandars after he unintentionally struck wicketkeeper Usman Khan on the head. The incident occurred at Multan Cricket Stadium after Shah dismissed Sam Billings with a sharp delivery. In the excitement of the breakthrough, Shah leapt and swung his arm, catching Khan—who was wearing a hat instead of a helmet—with an open palm. The impact briefly dazed the wicketkeeper. Medical staff quickly assessed Khan, who signalled he was fit to continue by flashing a thumbs-up to the dugout. The Sultans' players showed immediate concern, but the situation was defused swiftly. Despite the mishap, Shah was instrumental in the Sultans' 33-run victory. The young pacer took three key wickets, helping to contain Lahore Qalandars to 195/9 in pursuit of a daunting 229-run target. Lahore began strongly through Fakhar Zaman (32 off 14) and Abdullah Shafique (28 off 21), but regular wickets stalled their momentum. Middle-order resistance from Billings (43 off 23) and Sikandar Raza (50 off 27) wasn't enough as the asking rate soared. Multan's dominant batting performance, led by Yasir Khan's 87 and an opening stand of 89 runs, laid the foundation for their massive total—the highest recorded at Multan Cricket Stadium in HBL PSL history. Following this result, Multan Sultans picked up their first win of the campaign, while Lahore Qalandars, sitting third on the table with two wins and two losses, will look to regroup when they face Peshawar Zalmi on 24 February at Gaddafi Stadium.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar experiences new low
Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam is currently enduring one of the toughest patches of his illustrious 13-year career. The batter, known for his consistency, has hit a new low in recent performances, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. It has been nearly two years since Babar last scored an international century, with his last three-figure score coming against Nepal in August 2023. Despite this, he has managed to score a series of fifties across all formats, providing some solace to his followers. Having scored an impressive 569 runs in the previous edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), expectations for Babar were high heading into PSL 2025. Fans hoped that not only would he continue to rack up runs, but also break his century drought. However, those hopes have been dashed in the early stages of the competition. In the opening three matches of the PSL 10, Babar Azam has registered scores of 0, 1, and 2, which not only reflects his current struggle for form but also poses a potential worry for his team, Peshawar Zalmi. These consecutive scores mark a first in Babar's long career: it is the first time in his 13-year journey that he has been dismissed for three consecutive scores of less than three runs in T20 cricket. This represents a significant dip in his usually solid performance. Though Peshawar Zalmi secured their first win in PSL 2025, the pressure remains on Babar to return to form in the upcoming matches. Fans are hoping that the captain can bounce back and lead his team to victory with some much-needed runs. It is pertinent to mention that on Saturday, Peshawar Zalmi secured their first win of the ongoing tournament with a commanding 120-run victory over the Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The win was powered by a blazing half-century from Tom Kohler-Cadmore and an impressive four-wicket haul by Ali Raza. Chasing a daunting target of 228 runs, the Sultans' batting lineup crumbled for a paltry 107 in 15.5 overs, despite a fighting 44-run knock from Usman Khan.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL X: Multan Sultans choose to field against Islamabad United
Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to field first against defending champions Islamabad United in the seventh match of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), being played in Rawalpindi. The toss was delayed by 45 minutes due to a wet outfield following early evening showers. The match is now scheduled to begin at 8:45 PM. Opting to bowl under overcast skies, Sultans' captain Mohammad Rizwan said the conditions would favour his fast bowlers early on. Both teams have made changes to their playing XI, with Multan Sultans bringing in Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Hasnain in place of Shahid Aziz and Akif Javed. Islamabad United have also made three changes, with Mohammad Shahzad, Riley Meredith, and Haider Ali coming in for Ben Dwarshuis, Saad Masood, and Salman Ali Agha. Islamabad United, who have started their title defense in strong form with two commanding wins, will be aiming for a third consecutive victory. Multan Sultans, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a high-scoring loss in their previous match, where they posted 234 but still fell short. Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain) Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Azam Khan (WK), Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith Multan Sultans XI: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & WK), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Hasnain
