The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a suspension notice to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans, citing breaches of contractual obligations – a development that has sent ripples through Pakistan’s domestic cricket landscape.
According to sources, the PCB has also served a formal notice of contract termination after what it described as “completion of all necessary legal procedures.” The move marks a serious escalation in the ongoing rift between the board and the Multan franchise.
Insiders suggest the disciplinary action stems from a series of public remarks made by Ali Tareen, the Multan Sultans owner, who has openly criticised the PCB and the PSL’s management in recent months.
Back in April, Tareen posted a clip from a podcast on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the league’s direction ahead of its 10th season:
“How is PSL 10 bigger and better? Same games, same teams – what’s new? Fed up with hollow words. PCB had time to plan innovations, but we’re repeating last year. Our biggest brand deserves more. Explain the vision!”
Following backlash from fellow franchise owners, Tareen later clarified that his comments were not intended as an attack on the league, but rather as a call for progress:
“I love PSL – it’s a MADE-IN-PAKISTAN success story we all benefit from. My words were about pushing for real growth, not negativity. Salman Naseer and the PCB team are giving their all. Let’s unite as owners to back them and elevate the league. No more stagnation!”
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Despite his clarification, tensions lingered. In July, after the PCB released a post-season video celebrating the “success” of PSL 10, Tareen once again voiced frustration:
“Applause? You must be kidding. TV ratings down, attendance plummeting, digital engagement slowing – yet we’re celebrating? PCB, wake up. PSL deserves better planning, not self-congratulation. Time to fix these issues before it’s too late.”
According to PCB officials, such repeated public criticism “damaged the league’s reputation and violated the terms of the franchise agreement.” The notice reportedly references specific clauses that Multan Sultans are alleged to have breached.
A Multan Sultans spokesperson, however, told Dawn that the document sent by the PCB was “a legal notice, not a termination notice,” suggesting the franchise does not yet view the matter as closed.
This latest episode underscores a growing unease between the PCB and several PSL franchises, with calls emerging for greater transparency and consistency in how the board manages its relationships with team owners.
As the situation unfolds, the future of one of the PSL’s most successful and popular franchises now hangs in the balance and so too does the harmony within Pakistan’s flagship T20 league.
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