By Nawaz Gohar ;  As cricket fans, we are all thrilled that the PSL has returned. However, from a business perspective, certain trends are becoming increasingly concerning.

Ali Tareen, the former owner of Multan Sultans, has raised a crucial point: the current PSL model is showing symptoms that could signal a “red alert” for the future.

Key Points:
Sponsorship Struggles: Several teams failed to secure jersey sponsors by the start of the season. Some franchises only finalized sponsorship deals after the tournament had already begun.

Quality Concerns: The quality of team kits appeared subpar this time around.

The ROI Gap: Major brands are no longer willing to pay premium prices for logo placements on team jerseys. The reason is clear: brands are not seeing the expected Return on Investment (ROI).

Shifting Budgets: According to Ali Tareen, companies that previously sponsored individual franchises are now either prioritizing league-level sponsorships or shifting their marketing budgets toward TV advertisements.

Where is the Real Problem?
In the context of Pakistan’s current economic climate, several critical questions arise:

Is our market large enough to continuously support the existing franchise fees and revenue model?

How long can team owners continue to endure heavy financial losses?

The Biggest Concern: If the PCB has yet to clear the full broadcast dues from the previous season (PSL 10), how much longer can this model survive?

The Reality Check:
The PSL isn’t just about winning matches on the field; it is a business model. When sponsors dwindle, brand value comes under pressure, revenue streams dry up, and payments to owners are delayed, it is only natural to question the long-term sustainability of the league.

The Bottom Line:
The PSL is a symbol of Pakistan’s identity, but leagues are sustained by solid economic foundations, not just emotions. The concerns raised by Ali Tareen aren’t just an issue for Multan Sultans—they represent a challenge for the entire PSL framework.

If reforms are not implemented in time, it won’t just be the teams under pressure; the entire franchise system could buckle. To save the PSL, we need more than just good cricket—we need a robust and realistic business plan.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  Ali Tareen, co-owner of the Multan Sultans, addressed the media today, offering a candid perspective on the professional management of cricketers’ digital footprints and the evolving landscape of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Addressing the recent social media controversy involving pacer Naseem Shah, Tareen clarified that most professional cricketers utilize dedicated handlers for their digital platforms due to rigorous schedules. He noted that automated or outsourced posting often continues even while players are active on the field.

“Naseem Shah’s recent statement on X (formerly Twitter) should be viewed through this lens—it was essentially a social media blunder rather than a deliberate personal stance,” Tareen explained.

In a significant update for cricket enthusiasts, Tareen hinted at a policy shift regarding stadium attendance. He expressed optimism that an official announcement regarding the return of fans to the stadiums is expected by tomorrow, potentially reversing recent restrictions.

Reflecting on his team’s recent performances, Tareen redirected credit away from himself, praising Gohar Shah for his exceptional skill in assembling a competitive squad within a limited timeframe. He emphasized a humble approach to team ownership: Custodianship: Tareen asserted that a franchise belongs to its fans; the owner serves merely as a temporary custodian. Atmosphere: He maintained that the true essence of cricket is lost without the energy of a live audience.

While acknowledging the massive success of the PSL—crediting the original five franchises for taking the initial risk when the league’s future was uncertain—Tareen called for continuous improvement. He specifically highlighted production quality as a critical area for development, noting that world-class broadcasting is essential to maintaining fan engagement and the league’s global prestige.

“PSL is a phenomenal brand embraced by the entire nation,” Tareen concluded, “but we must ensure the production matches the passion of the viewers.”

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ISLAMABAD : By Nawaz Gohar ; Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen on Tuesday announced that he will not be extending the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise ownership contract, bringing an emotional close to his tenure with the 2021 champions.

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Tareen cited persistent financial losses as a key factor behind his decision, emphasising that he would “rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees.” He described his time with the Sultans as one of the greatest honours of his life, recalling the pride his late uncle, Alamgir Tareen, held for representing South Punjab.

Tareen said he consistently reminded players and staff of the values of the region—resilience, hard work and unwavering commitment—adding that fans would forgive defeat but never a lack of fight. Despite the yearly financial strain, he stressed that he never considered walking away until renewing the contract meant compromising personal principles.

Bidding farewell, Tareen urged supporters to continue backing the franchise, saying the Sultans “belong to the people of South Punjab,” and promised he would remain in the stands as a devoted fan.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has warned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he will be left with no option but to pursue legal action if any attempt is made to exclude his franchise from the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In a post on social media, Ali Tareen said that both the PCB and PSL management have “completely ignored” him and his franchise, adding that several of his emails remain unanswered. He revealed that he also wrote directly to the PCB chairman, but has received no response so far.

Tareen further stated that although they responded to a legal notice sent earlier by the PCB, there has been no follow-up communication from the board.

According to him, despite multiple attempts, the PCB has still not clarified why Multan Sultans have not been issued the new valuation and reassessment letter required under the PSL process. He added that other franchises have also questioned the PCB about the matter, but the board has offered no explanation.

Ali Tareen said he wishes to resolve all outstanding issues with the PCB through dialogue and mutual understanding. However, if the board’s “non-cooperative behaviour” continues, he said he will have no choice but to initiate legal proceedings.

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