LAHORE (Kashmir English): Ali Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what he called a “premature victory lap” celebrating the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL X). His remarks, shared on social media, highlight concerns about the league’s declining popularity and operational issues.
In a series of posts on social media following the PCB’s recent debriefing session in Lahore, Tareen dismissed the board’s claims of satisfaction from stakeholders regarding HBL PSL X, saying the league’s underlying problems had gone unaddressed.
“Applause? You must be kidding,” he wrote on X, referring to the PCB’s video summary that praised the league’s performance.
Tareen cited poor television ratings, dwindling stadium attendance, and a slowdown in digital engagement as evidence that fan interest has declined significantly.
“Skip the victory lap and fix the slide,” Tareen urged, noting that the league cannot grow by ignoring these warning signs.
Empty stands in Karachi were among the most visible signs of that disconnect during the 2025 season, yet the PCB has not shared any clear plan to reverse the trend.
Tareen also took aim at the tournament’s operations, describing logistics as “shambolic” and branding the player draft “comical.”
While his criticism was sharp, Ali Tareen made it clear that he still believes in the potential of the PSL. He said he loves the league and wants to see it succeed, but without proper management and reforms, he fears fan interest may continue to decline.
Ali Tareen has previously voiced frustration with the PCB’s management of the league and has called for structural changes in how the PSL is run.
Ali Tareen’s latest comments suggest that concerns among stakeholders remain unresolved, despite public attempts by the board to frame the season as a step forward.
