Tareen show full commitment to franchise despite challenges

Tareen show full commitment to franchise despite challenges

Asher Butt

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen On Saturday made it clear that despite several challenges and financial constraints he is not going to leave the franchise as it is close to his heart.

Tareen addressed the media at Gaddafi Stadium, shedding light on the challenges faced by his franchise, the potential for growth in the PSL, and his commitment to the team’s future despite ongoing losses.

Tareen revealed that since acquiring Multan Sultans, the team has experienced significant financial losses. However, he firmly stated his refusal to sell the franchise, citing the substantial investment already made. “I will not leave Multan Sultans. I have invested heavily in it,” he said.

He also commented on the disparity in franchise valuations, stating, “The valuation of Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings should be equal.”

The owner also pointed out issues with ticketing, particularly in Multan, where online tickets often appear sold out but then become available before matches. Tareen emphasized the need to address this matter. “The issue of ticket unavailability and availability should be investigated,” he added.

Tareen called for the formation of a dedicated board at the conclusion of PSL Season Ten to devise strategies for the league’s growth and future success. “A board should be formed at the end of Season Ten to take PSL further,” he suggested.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Tareen acknowledged the impact of injuries and the lack of contribution from overseas players. “Performance was affected by the non-performance of foreign players. Now the entire focus is on local players,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the PCB clarified that Multan Sultans was acquired by the Tareens through an open bidding process. Should they wish to reevaluate terms, the franchise would need to undergo rebidding, which is estimated to start at a minimum of Rs 1.2 billion.

As Multan Sultans navigate their challenges, Ali Tareen’s vision and commitment to PSL remain crucial to fostering its growth as a leading cricket league.