Rawalpindi PSL owner Ahsan Tahir threatens franchise exit over rumored Rizwan ban
By Nawaz Gohar ; Ahsan Tahir, owner of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Rawalpindi franchise, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), declaring that he will immediately pull his team out of the league if veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan faces a ban from all forms of cricket.
Addressing reports suggesting that efforts are underway to impose a comprehensive ban on Rizwan, Tahir expressed strong outrage, calling such potential actions completely unjust.
“I want to make it unequivocally clear once again: if the doors of cricket are closed on Mohammad Rizwan, I will not hesitate for a moment to walk away from my team,” Tahir stated.
Revealing the primary motivation behind entering the league, the owner disclosed that the entire franchise was acquired specifically centered around Rizwan.
“According to sources, Tahir emphasized, ‘I purchased this team specifically for Rizwan. If he is not a part of it, I have no need for this franchise. My commercial ventures are extensive and well-established, both in Pakistan and the United States.
I do not depend on owning a cricket team. Mohammad Rizwan is my spiritual guide and mentor—I follow his principles and guidance in my personal life. Our bond extends far beyond the sport of cricket.'”
Tahir labeled ongoing media reports detailing a potential ban as a grave injustice, though he expressed hope that sanity would prevail. However, he reaffirmed that his stance remains final if sanctions are enforced.
“The news circulating regarding an all-out effort to ban Rizwan from every form of cricket represents pure unfairness. While I hope it does not come to that, my stance is already clear: my team will not participate in the PSL. I bought this franchise solely for my mentor,” Tahir added.
The developments have put the spot back on the PCB regarding player governance and franchise relations ahead of the upcoming PSL season.
