Lahore — The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise auction took a decisive turn on Tuesday as a new team representing South Punjab was announced, while businessman and former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen formally stepped away from the bidding process, ending speculation over his potential return to the league as a franchise holder.
The announcement of a South Punjab–based team came amid broader restructuring plans linked to the PSL’s expansion and franchise renewal cycle. Officials indicated that the inclusion of the region reflects the league’s effort to widen its geographical footprint and tap into previously underrepresented cricketing markets.
Ali Khan Tareen, who had been widely expected to participate in the auction, confirmed that he would not submit a bid for the new franchise. Speaking on the sidelines of the auction, Tareen cited his long-standing emotional connection with South Punjab as a defining factor in his decision, stating that the region remained central to his identity and priorities.
Tareen’s withdrawal also follows months of strained relations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over franchise renewal terms and governance issues. In recent public statements, he had criticised what he described as limited engagement from PSL management, alleging that Multan Sultans were excluded from valuation and renewal discussions that other franchises had already entered.
Ali Khan Tareen first entered the PSL in December 2018, when he, along with his uncle Alamgir Khan Tareen, acquired ownership rights for Multan Sultans during a competitive bidding process. The franchise was secured at a then record price of approximately US$6.35 million per year, making it the most expensive team in the league at the time. The deal underscored the Tareen family’s long-term financial commitment to the PSL and to cricket development in South Punjab.
Under Tareen’s stewardship, Multan Sultans quickly established themselves as a strong competitive unit and went on to win the PSL title in 2021. Following the death of his uncle in 2023, Ali Khan Tareen assumed full leadership of the franchise and remained involved in league affairs for several seasons.
However, tensions between Tareen and the PCB intensified over time, particularly around ownership structure, financial sustainability, and governance transparency. The dispute escalated in 2025 when Tareen publicly rejected a legal notice issued by the PCB that warned of possible termination of his franchise agreement should he continue to criticise the board’s handling of league affairs. The episode marked a visible breakdown in relations between the two sides and raised questions about his long-term role in the PSL.
The announcement of a new South Punjab team, coupled with Tareen’s decision to stay out of the current auction, signals a transitional phase for the PSL as it prepares for its next cycle. While league officials have expressed confidence in the expansion process, Tareen’s absence from the bidding highlights ongoing debates over franchise ownership models, transparency, and the league’s long-term commercial framework.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future structure of the PSL, particularly as new teams enter the competition and existing franchises adjust to revised financial and governance arrangements.
