PSL crisis escalates as Multan Sultans owner warns of legal action against PCB

Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans

Ali Khan Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans, has publicly claimed that the team has been excluded from the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) valuation and renewal process, further escalating their dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

He posted on X on Wednesday, accusing the league's management of not communicating with the team in spite of several attempts. The franchise has been awaiting clarification on its valuation and renewal letter, which other teams have already received, according to Tareen.

"Over the past month we have sent multiple emails to the PSL management, asking for our valuation and renewal letter (which every other team has already received). But there has been no response," he wrote.

He went on to say that there has been a lack of communication through both official and legal channels. "No response to our legal letter, no response to our emails, no response to my letter to the Chairman," he said, terming the silence uncalled for.

He claimed that even representatives of other PSL teams have questioned Multan's exclusion from the current proceedings. "Even other franchise reps have asked why Multan is not being included in the valuation and renewal process. No response," he stated.

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Tareen also discussed in the post why the problem has become public. "For those asking why this is not being handled behind closed doors, it is simply because the PSL Management refuse to engage with us," he wrote.

He cautioned that the franchise would soon be forced to escalate the situation due to the standoff. "If this ghosting continues we will have no choice but to take legal action. Which is the absolute last thing we want to do," he said, stating that an informal resolution could have been reached. "This entire situation is so unnecessary and could have easily been solved over tea and biscuits. But fragile egos make simple things difficult," he remarked.

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This most recent declaration follows weeks in which Tareen seemed to take a more accommodative stance. He had earlier demanded a "fresh relationship" with the PCB after a series of conversations sparked by the franchise receiving a legal notice.

Multan Sultans rejected the board's allegations of a violation of contract as irrational. As the PSL gets closer to a pivotal stage, both sides are holding their position, making it unclear what will happen next.