PCB Threatens to Blacklist Multan Sultans Owner Ali Tareen Over PSL Criticism
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly threatened to blacklist Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen following his public criticism of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management, unless he issues a formal public apology.
In a statement released by the franchise, Multan Sultans claimed that the PCB had sent a legal notice to Tareen last month, demanding a retraction of his comments and a public apology. Failure to comply, the notice warned, could result in the termination of the team’s franchise agreement and a lifetime ban preventing Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.
“The PCB last month sent a legal notice to Multan Sultans, demanding that our owner Ali Tareen retract all recent critical statements and issue a public apology to the PSL management,” the statement read. “The notice threatens termination of our franchise agreement and a lifetime blacklist of Mr. Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.”
Tensions Rise Ahead of Franchise Rebidding
The dispute comes at a critical time for the PSL, as the ownership rights of all six existing teams are set to expire in December, marking ten years since the league’s inception. All franchises will be required to re-bid for their teams, and any official blacklist would bar Tareen from participating in the process.
Tareen, who became co-owner of the Multan Sultans in December 2018, has been one of the most vocal franchise figures in the league. Over the past year, he has repeatedly criticised the PSL management for what he describes as a lack of transparency and poor communication, particularly regarding the rebidding process and the planned addition of two new teams next season.
Sources told ESPNcricinfo that Multan Sultans have formally responded to the PCB, rejecting the allegations and defending Tareen’s right to express constructive criticism.
Franchise Defends Owner
In its statement, the franchise strongly condemned the PCB’s actions, calling them “outrageous” and “petty.”
“For the PCB management to treat constructive criticism as a crime is outrageous,” the statement said. “It demonstrates the pettiness of the current management and clearly shows that the PSL is not open to questions or accountability, even from those who have given the most to make it stronger. Silencing honest feedback is not how great leagues are built.”
The franchise added that Tareen’s commitment to Pakistani cricket “is unwavering,” insisting his only motive is to help the PSL grow and improve.
“His commitment to Pakistani cricket is unwavering, and his only goal is to help the PSL reach the level its players and fans deserve,” the statement concluded.
The PCB has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the board for comment.