Multan Sultans Owner Exposes Critical Flaws in PSL Business Model – “Half-Empty Stadiums and Broken Promises”
In a revealing return to the Ultra Edge Podcast for its second season, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen offered fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Pakistan Super League (PSL) operations. As the first repeat guest on the podcast, Tareen didn’t hold back, challenging the popular narrative that the PSL is continuously growing bigger and better with each season.
Franchise Management: A Fan-First Approach
The Multan Sultans have distinguished themselves through their transparent approach to team management. Tareen emphasized the importance of keeping fans informed about decision-making processes, particularly regarding draft picks and team selections. This strategy aims to make supporters feel like genuine stakeholders in the franchise’s journey rather than mere spectators.
“We want our fans to understand why we make certain decisions,” Tareen explained. “When they know the rationale behind our draft picks or why certain players are released, they become more invested in our success.”
Strategic Player Selection and Recruitment Challenges
The podcast revealed detailed insights into the Sultans’ methodical approach to player recruitment. The franchise has identified specific needs in their squad, particularly middle-order batsmen and wrist spinners—positions where talent is scarce across the league.
Notable moves included selecting Michael Bracewell as an alternative after missing out on their primary target, Daryl Mitchell. The franchise also highlighted emerging fast bowler Shahid Aziz as a potential breakthrough talent for the upcoming season.
However, team building hasn’t been without its painful decisions. Tareen expressed frustration over losing fast bowler Mohammad Ali to a rival team during the draft, despite their hopes to retain him. Similarly, tough choices were made regarding other players like Abbas Afridi, who was released despite showing promise in domestic competitions.
The Human Element: Beyond Cricket Statistics
Perhaps the most compelling segment of the discussion centered on the human element of cricket management. Tareen spoke passionately about Ehsanullah, a fast bowler facing injury challenges, highlighting the profound personal stakes for players from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“For players who come from poverty, cricket isn’t just a game—it’s their path out of hardship,” Tareen noted with genuine concern. “When injury threatens that path, the psychological impact can be devastating.”
This emotional perspective offered a reminder that behind the statistics and performances are real people whose entire futures often hang in the balance of their sporting careers.
Multan Sultans: Always the Bridesmaid?
Despite being one of the most consistent franchises in PSL history, the Sultans have developed a reputation for reaching finals but falling at the final hurdle. Tareen, however, views this as “a blessing rather than a jinx,” pointing to the team’s remarkable consistency.
An interesting observation came from team member David Willey, who noted a visible difference in determination and belief before finals matches—suggesting a psychological barrier that might be preventing the team from crossing the finish line, particularly against Islamabad United.
“We’ve beaten Islamabad in regular matches, but there was a lack of that ‘must-win’ attitude in the finals,” Tareen admitted, identifying a clear area for improvement.
PSL’s Growing Pains: A Frank Assessment
The most headline-worthy comments from Tareen came in his unfiltered assessment of the PSL’s current trajectory. Contrary to the league’s marketing claims of being “bigger and better” each year, Tareen expressed skepticism about genuine progress.
“There’s a lot of talk about making each season the ‘biggest ever,’ but where’s the innovation?” he questioned. “Compared to leagues like the IPL, we’re seeing the same approach season after season without meaningful evolution.”
Tareen outlined specific areas requiring improvement:
- Fan Experience: Enhancing in-stadium entertainment and engagement
- Ticketing Strategy: Addressing inefficiencies that lead to half-empty stadiums
- Revenue Model: Reconsidering how revenue is shared, especially with potential expansion
- Franchise Ownership: Moving away from the current “rental” model that limits investment
Structural Challenges Facing PSL
The discussion highlighted fundamental issues with the PSL’s business model. Unlike successful global franchises where teams own their rights, PSL franchises effectively “rent” their teams annually from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This arrangement severely restricts long-term planning and investment, particularly from foreign investors.
“The current model doesn’t create the conditions for sustainable growth,” Tareen argued. “Teams continue to operate at a loss, despite initial projections that franchises would turn profitable by their third year.”
A particular concern is the proposed expansion of the league with two additional teams, with no clear communication about how this would affect revenue distribution among existing franchises.
Global Standing: Slipping in the Rankings
Perhaps most concerning was Tareen’s assessment of the PSL’s global position. Once considered second only to the IPL among T20 leagues worldwide, the PSL has been overtaken by newer competitions in terms of both viewership and financial valuation.
Leagues like IT20 in Dubai have capitalized on broadcasting advantages and audience reach that the PSL has failed to leverage effectively. Without strategic changes, the gap between PSL and leading global leagues risks widening further.
Pakistan Cricket’s Broader Challenges
The conversation extended beyond the PSL to Pakistan cricket’s national team structure. Tareen expressed frustration with inconsistent leadership and frequent changes in captaincy and coaching roles, which have undermined long-term performance.
The recent appointment of Mohammad Rizwan as T20 captain was viewed positively, with Tareen praising his tactical knowledge and open-minded leadership approach. However, questions remain about why his leadership capabilities weren’t recognized earlier.
“Pakistan has the talent to win tournaments, but without a stable environment and consistent direction, sustained success will remain elusive,” Tareen observed.
Women’s Cricket: Unfulfilled Promises
Tareen didn’t spare criticism regarding the development of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Despite initial announcements about growing the women’s game, he suggested that follow-through has been lacking, leading to stagnation rather than progress.
This reflects a broader concern about cricket administration in Pakistan—bold statements followed by insufficient action.
Looking Ahead: A Crossroads for Pakistan Cricket
As the PSL prepares for its next season, Tareen’s candid assessment suggests the league—and Pakistan cricket more broadly—stands at a crucial juncture. With the right structural changes and strategic vision, the PSL could reclaim its position among the world’s premier T20 leagues. Without them, it risks further losing ground to more innovative and financially robust competitions.
Tareen’s willingness to speak frankly about these challenges demonstrates a refreshing transparency that cricket administrators worldwide would do well to emulate. For fans of Pakistani cricket, his insights offer both concern and hope—concern about current trajectories, but hope that honest assessment is the first step toward meaningful change.
As the Multan Sultans prepare for another title challenge, Tareen’s commitment to building a franchise that values transparency, strategic thinking, and human connections offers a blueprint that extends beyond cricket to sports management more broadly.
