Ali Tareen slams PCB's "rental model" for PSL franchises

Ali Tareen, the owner of the former Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Multan Sultans, has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) franchise retention and rental model. 

In an interview with to a cricketing website, Tareen targeted both the PCB and the PSL management, revealing that all PSL franchises are currently operating under a "rental model," where team owners do not have real ownership of their franchises.

He explained, "We pay a rental fee to keep the franchises under our control every year. If we don't pay, we don't have any ownership rights. Unlike the Indian Premier League (IPL), there are no opportunities for foreign investment either."

Tareen also raised concerns regarding the addition of new teams to PSL, stating that the PCB has not yet presented a clear plan for the 11th edition of the league, particularly regarding the inclusion of eight teams. He warned that if the revenue-sharing model isn't properly structured, it could create confusion. 

He added, "IPL owners have the freedom to sell their teams to anyone they want, but the board only considers how much money it can raise and how it will manage the team. We don’t have such flexibility."

Tareen criticized the current management of PSL, calling it unserious in its approach. He pointed out that franchise owners like himself do not have long-term control over their teams. He emphasized that before adding new teams to the league, there needs to be a clear policy in place; otherwise, the future of the league could be at risk.

In contrast, the PCB has announced plans to add two new teams for the 11th edition of the PSL. While claims have surfaced that potential buyers for these teams have already been found, the names of the teams and details about ownership will be announced at an appropriate time.

The 10th edition of the PSL will begin on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament will feature six teams and a total of 34 matches from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the two Eliminators and the grand final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.

Additionally, the tournament will feature three double-headers, with two scheduled for Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1).