PSL team owner exposes Pakistan Cricket Board’s 'empty claims' about T20 league: 'Fed up with hollow words'

Ali Tareen, the Multan Sultans cricket team, has exposed Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) claims that the tenth edition of the tournament will “elevate the spectacle even further”. Ali Tareen has questioned how the 10th season of PSL will be “bigger and better” than the previous editions when the organisers have not made any innovation.

The 10th season of Pakistan Super League starts on 11 April with six teams. The tournament will include 34 games. PSL CEO Salman Naseer has stated that the PSL 10 will have “higher stakes and celebrations” that a decade-long tournament deserves.

“As we embark on this landmark 10th season, the HBL PSL is set to elevate the spectacle even further – bigger stars, higher stakes and celebrations befitting a decade of excellence.

“Fans can brace themselves for an unforgettable season of high-octane action, legendary rivalries, and a cricketing carnival that will once again unite the nation and captivate audiences worldwide,” Naseer said.

Pakistan Cricket slammed for ‘hollow words’ on PSL

The owner of Multan Sultans, who won the PSL in 2021, Tareen criticised PSL and the Pakistan Cricket Boards (PCB) for their “hollow words” and neglect icing a successful brand.

“We’ve had nail-biting finishes every year - we have close matches each year, even last year’s final went to the last ball. So what’s different? Same four stadiums, same stadium experience. Yes, the stadiums are better this year, but is that alone enough to make it the best and biggest PSL ever? No. I’m fed up with these empty claims and hollow words,” Tareen said on the UltraEdge podcast by CrickWick.

“I am getting angry again. I am tired of these hollow words from the PCB and management about making this the biggest season. What exactly are we doing differently to make it the best? Someone explain. They claim it will be bigger while repeating the same things as last year. How? I am not disrespecting them, I genuinely want to know. Is there a plan? Are we doing anything new to elevate it? If so, great. But it’s disappointing to see our amazing, successful brand being neglected.”

Tareen was asked what PCB can do to improve the PSL product. He replied: “You can do more to engage the fans in the stadiums, improve the food, have more activities, have musical events mid-innings. It doesn’t need to be revolutionary. At least try to do the small things.

“If you look at the Big Bash League, they introduced the Power Surge. You can have the Impact Sub, just think of something. If you don’t want to add new things or a new flair, then stop saying ‘This is going to be the biggest PSL’. It’s going to be the exact same PSL as every year.”

The 10th season of PSL marks the first time it will run simultaneously with IPL, which has impacted the presence of top stars in the Pakistan league.