The ongoing PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans has escalated, creating a tense atmosphere ahead of the next edition of the Pakistan Super League. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Multan Sultans franchise are locked in a war of words following the board’s issuance of a legal notice to the team. As uncertainty looms, the PCB has already prepared a backup plan, signaling the possibility of major changes in the league’s structure before the upcoming season.
PCB’s Backup Plan in Case of Franchise Cancellation
According to inside sources, the PCB has initiated preliminary discussions with new investors in case the PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans leads to the cancellation of the franchise’s membership. These contacts are part of the board’s strategy to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly, even if the ownership issue remains unresolved.
If the franchise is officially terminated, PCB aims to finalize a new ownership deal quickly to avoid disruptions in the tournament’s schedule. Multiple investors have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the team, demonstrating that the Multan Sultans brand still holds strong market value despite the ongoing controversy.
Ali Tareen’s Response to the Legal Notice
Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen has responded firmly to the PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans, saying he will not be intimidated by legal threats. In a video statement, Tareen emphasized that the Pakistan Super League belongs to everyone, not just the administration. He revealed that the legal notice from PCB demanded an apology and withdrawal of his previous critical remarks about the board’s management and policies.
Tareen stated that the notice also mentioned potential contract termination and blacklisting. However, he reiterated his love for PSL and expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing issues. “I am ready to sit together and discuss everything,” he said, signaling a willingness for reconciliation despite the heated exchanges.
In a somewhat ironic tone, he also offered a “meaningful apology” for highlighting issues such as poor management decisions, lack of merit in leadership positions, and inadequate training facilities. His remarks suggested frustration with what he described as a “yes-man culture” within the cricket board.
PCB’s Perspective and Expansion Plans
While the PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans continues, PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer has attempted to shift focus to the league’s future. Speaking on the official PSL podcast, he confirmed that the 11th edition of the league is expected to be held across six cities, with plans to include two new teams.
Salman Naseer shared that efforts are underway to prepare a new stadium in Peshawar, while Faisalabad has been confirmed as a venue for the next season. He added that several business groups have shown interest in purchasing new teams, signaling growing commercial confidence in the league’s success.
The PCB official also revealed that valuation terms of reference (TORs) for franchises were finalized earlier this year. The final valuation process is expected to conclude soon, after which the new market value will be shared with all existing franchises. The significant increase in PSL viewership—up 647 percent during Season 10, reaching 3.4 billion total views—has further enhanced the league’s attractiveness to investors.
Market Value and Investor Interest
Despite the ongoing PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans, the league remains financially robust. The growing audience, sponsorship opportunities, and digital engagement have strengthened its reputation as one of the leading T20 competitions in the world.
PCB insiders claim that the board is in touch with one or two potential investors who have already expressed interest in buying the Multan franchise if the dispute remains unresolved. This shows the strong demand for PSL team ownership, reflecting the league’s growing business potential in Pakistan’s sports industry.
Future of the Multan Sultans
The fate of Multan Sultans now depends on how both sides handle the ongoing PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans. If negotiations between PCB and Ali Tareen succeed, the franchise could continue under its current management. However, if talks fail, a new owner may take over before the next season begins.
Regardless of the outcome, fans remain hopeful that the issue will be resolved amicably, ensuring that one of PSL’s most popular teams continues to participate. Multan Sultans have built a strong fan base and contributed significantly to the league’s success through their consistent performances and professional approach.
The PSL legal dispute with Multan Sultans has created a challenging situation for both the Pakistan Cricket Board and the franchise. While the PCB works to safeguard the tournament’s future with backup plans and investor interest, Ali Tareen’s strong response shows his commitment to the league and its integrity.
As the 11th edition of PSL approaches, fans and stakeholders are closely watching how this conflict unfolds. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine the future of Multan Sultans but also shape the reputation and stability of Pakistan’s premier cricket league in the years to come.
