Ali Tareen Opens Up About Opting Out of PSL Team Auction
ISLAMABAD: Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has opened up about his decision to opt out of the auction for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of season 11, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
Ali Tareen, whose business group was notably absent from the list of 10 qualified bidders, took to social media platform X to clarify the reasons behind the move, highlighting the deep emotional connection his family shared with the Multan Sultans franchise.
“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” Tareen wrote.
He said that his association with Multan Sultans was never solely about ownership but about representing South Punjab, a region he felt had long been overlooked in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
“Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab. About giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long. That’s what drove everything we built,” he added.
Tareen stressed that any future return to the Pakistan Super League would need to align with the same vision and purpose.
“If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home,” he said.
While confirming that he would be supporting the league from the stands this season, Ali Tareen left the door open for a potential return when the Multan franchise is put up for sale again.
“This year, I’ll be in the stands. Cheering for players on and celebrating with the fans. And when the Multan team is being sold, we’ll be ready,” he stated.
He concluded his message by wishing success to all the bidders participating in the auction, saying: “Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win.”
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had unveiled the list of 10 qualified bidders for the PSL franchise auction. The bidders include Inverex Solar Energy, OZ Group of Companies, VGO TEL Mobile, Jazz, DSM, i2c, Prism Estate & Builders, Walee, USA-based Aim Next Inc., and Southeast Asian holding company FKS.
Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans franchise will be operated by the PCB during PSL season 11.
