Tareen decides against renewing ownership of Multan Sultans, says he would “rather lose the team than run it from my knees”.
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen decides not to renew ownership of PSL franchise.
Ali Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans, has declared he will not be renewing his ownership of the PSL team. Tareen claimed he was saying goodbye to the franchise he had owned for seven years in a social media post.
By stating that he would “rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees,” he seemed to be taking a final jab at PSL management. That was consistent with an ongoing disagreement with the league and suggested that tensions with the other owners have grown.
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Tareen’s statement said. “Despite the financial losses year on year, I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. And I have always been willing to go as far as needed to protect it.”
The announcement throws a wrench in the plans for the 11th PSL season. It was issued shortly after the five other teams formally stated that they have chosen to renew ownership of their respective teams. There will be two new owners as the event is already scheduled to grow to eight teams. The PCB will need to look for a third if the PSL and Tareen are unable to reach an agreement, which now appears to be more likely.
The low point of a relationship that has been failing for the better part of a year is represented by Tareen’s comment. Tareen has intensified his criticism of the PSL management throughout this period, accusing them of lacking vision and openness.
“Please know that this team has always been much more than its owner,” Tareen’s statement concluded. “It belongs to you and to South Punjab. So whoever takes control of the Sultans next, please keep supporting them with the same passion. You can count on me to be in the stands supporting them too.”