Former Multan Sultans Owner Ali Khan Tareen Slams PSL Model, Says 'Reality Hits You Hard'

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen has harshly criticized the Pakistan Super League (PSL) model, stating that franchise owners often discover the financial challenges only after the initial excitement of owning a team subsides. Despite knowing the revenue-sharing model before purchasing a franchise, Tareen explained that the market reality is vastly different from what is written on paper.

He highlighted that new owners typically anticipate managing losses, securing sponsors through their own networks, and profiting from merchandise sales. However, they soon realize that all PSL teams vie for the same major brands, and there are limits to how much sponsors are willing to pay for jersey advertisements. While no one was forced to buy a franchise, Tareen noted that understanding the revenue-split was not equivalent to fully comprehending the market reality.

He pointed out that the initial hype fades, and the harsh reality sets in. Tareen also addressed the issue of merchandise in Pakistan, stating that cheap replicas are readily available for approximately Rs 700, making it challenging for official team merchandise to generate substantial revenue. The former Multan Sultans owner observed that the sponsorship problem became evident during the current season, with the three new teams displaying large empty spaces on their jerseys due to brands unwilling to pay the requested amounts.

Tareen also criticized the shifting relationship between franchise owners and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He mentioned that, initially, new owners had direct access to the PCB chairman when facing difficulties, but over time, they were redirected to lower levels of management. Tareen noted that all three new owners publicly questioned the current model within a year of joining the league.

However, he argued that the PCB has limited motivation to alter the system or involve franchise owners in significant decisions. Despite his criticism, Tareen affirmed that the PSL remains Pakistan's most valuable sports brand and merits a fair evaluation. He believes that establishing sustainable franchises and attracting owners who genuinely invest in the league would ultimately enhance the PSL's growth, with the PCB benefiting the most from a stronger and more sustainable competition.