Ali Tareen has opted not to renew Multan Sultans’ Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise contract.
All teams renewed PSL franchise contracts yesterday, with the only exception of Multan Sultans. There was a likelihood of Ali Tareen’s parting ways with Multan Sultans due to differences with PSL management.
“I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees”, Ali Tareen stated in a post shared on micro-blogging platform X (former Twitter).
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I love the fans, I love this team, and I absolutely love being able to represent South Punjab. Something my late uncle Alamgir Tareen was especially proud of”, reads the post.
He highlighted how he interacted with players and staff and desired to continue the journey despite financial losses.
“Every season, I would tell our players and staff what it means to represent this region: a place full of people who work hard, fight for their rights, and push through challenges every single day. I told them that the fans will forgive you if you lose, but they will never forgive you if you stop fighting. That mindset has shaped everything we have done, both on and off the field.
“Despite the financial losses year after year, I never once thought about walking away. The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. And I have always been willing to go as far as needed to protect it”, the post reads.
He also implicitly highlighted the differences and attitude of management that led to his parting ways with Multan Sultans.
“I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m okay with that. But I have always been honest and I have always spoken my mind. I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. That simply isn’t who I am. And if staying means compromising those principles there is only one choice I can make.
“I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye,” the post further reads.
He also expressed best wishes for the upcoming management of Multan Sultans.
“Please know that this team has always been much more than its owner. It belongs to you and to South Punjab. So whoever takes control of the Sultans next, please keep supporting them with the same passion. You can count on me to be in the stands supporting them too”, the post concluded.
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