LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a suspension notice to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans, citing violations of contractual obligations, according to official and media sources on Thursday.
The move, which follows months of friction between the board and the franchise, also includes a formal notice for contract termination, reportedly sent after the PCB completed what it described as “necessary legal procedures.”
The PSL, launched in 2016, has been widely hailed as Pakistan’s flagship T20 league and a cornerstone of its cricketing revival, but the current standoff underscores ongoing challenges in its management and commercial alignment.
Alleged Breach Following Owner’s Public Criticism
Sources familiar with the matter said the PCB’s action was triggered by repeated public remarks made by franchise owner Ali Tareen, who openly criticised the PCB’s handling of the PSL’s pre- and post-season operations.
According to Pakistan’s independent Newspaper Dawn, in April, Tareen shared a podcast clip on social media questioning the league’s growth strategy, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “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!”
Although he later issued a clarification, saying his comments were meant to “push for real growth, not negativity,” tensions reportedly persisted between the two sides.
In July, Tareen renewed his criticism following a PCB post-season video hailing PSL 10’s success. He wrote: “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.”
A senior PCB official told Dawn that such remarks “damaged the league’s reputation and violated the franchise agreement,” adding that the board remains committed to “maintaining the PSL’s integrity and professional standards.”
Franchise Responds, Disputes Termination Claim
A spokesperson for Multan Sultans confirmed receipt of the PCB’s legal notice but denied reports of outright termination. “The PCB has sent a legal notice, which is not a notice of termination,” the spokesperson said, reports Dawn.
The dispute highlights growing unease within the PSL ecosystem over the balance of power between franchises and the governing body. Several stakeholders have called for greater transparency and consistency in the PCB’s communication with team owners, particularly regarding governance, marketing, and revenue-sharing structures.
