Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen expressed concerns about the commercial sustainability of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Tareen criticized the financial model of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), warning that the current economic conditions could harm the long-term sustainability of the franchise system.
His comment came during the ongoing dispute with the cricket board. Tareen had earlier questioned the transparency of the league, due to which the cricket board had received a legal notice. The notice accused him of violating contractual terms and threatened to terminate the Multan Sultans franchise agreement.
Tareen posted a video online of him tearing up the PCB’s legal notice. In November 2025, he announced that he would not be renewing his ownership of the Multan Sultans franchise. Tareen said that he preferred to lose the team rather than work without dignity.
I am a little worried – Ali Khan Tareen on PSL
During PSL 2026, Ali Khan Tareen had expressed concern about the lack of jersey sponsors. Tareen said that several PSL teams signed sponsorship deals after the tournament began. He also said that the quality of the kits has declined after Jim Armor left the PSL.
Tareen wrote on
“Even the sudden drop in kit quality. (Mostly because lead manufacturer Jim Armor has left the scene entirely, but that’s a completely different story). These are not isolated issues. Brands are no longer willing to pay big bucks to put logos on jerseys.”
The size is not there to justify the franchise fee – Ali Khan Tareen
Ali Khan Tareen said that companies avoid sponsoring individual PSL teams. He said brands do not get adequate returns on investment from team jerseys. Tareen said they shifted their budget to television commercials or directly sponsoring the PSL.
“Those that did stop because the ROI just isn’t there. They either move on to sponsoring a league instead of a team, or simply shift the budget to TV commercials. Our economy doesn’t have the size or heat to justify franchise fees and the revenue model most teams have just signed up for.”
Don’t know how things will get better – Ali Khan Tareen
The Multan Sultans owner alleged that the Pakistan Cricket Board failed to pay the outstanding broadcast dues to the franchise owners. Tareen questioned how the new teams of Pakistan Super League can afford the ongoing financial losses in the current economic circumstances.
“And considering PCB’s unpaid broadcast dues from PSL10, franchise owners including myself, you have to ask how sustainable this model really is. And how long will new teams be prepared to lose billions and billions. Not sure how things will improve tbh “
Tareen’s financial warning cast doubt on the long-term feasibility of the PSL model. While fans enjoy the matches, franchise owners face increasing financial pressure. The PCB must address declining sponsorships and unpaid dues to keep the league stable.
As a cricket fan I am happy that PSL is on!
But as a businessman and former owner I am a little concerned.
The lack of jersey sponsors at the start of the season, with some teams signing deals after the tournament has started, is a worrying sign.
Even suddenly…
– Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) 5 April 2026
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