Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has defended his recent criticism of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying his comments were not meant to attack the league but to push for its growth. In his latest statement, he clarified that he is not angry but deeply hurt by the stagnation of the PSL, which he believes is no longer progressing as it once did.

 

In response to the backlash, Tareen said, "I had no intention of making these statements, but when discussions about the PSL began, I had to be honest. I'm not angry—I'm hurt. I am a stakeholder and a major investor in the PSL. Every year, our team incurs losses, yet we continue to participate because I genuinely want this league to grow."

 

"We keep doing the same things every year—same format, same ideas, same tournaments. If a league is not growing, it means it is slowly declining, and that truly pains me," he added.

 

Tareen's remarks had earlier drawn criticism from Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal, who accused him of publicly undermining the league.

 

"Since the start of PSL, many doubted us—critics from India and even some local TV channels. But what truly hurts is when one of our own, a team owner, chooses to publicly ridicule and disrespect this league despite its continuous growth. PSL is Pakistan's pride, a product that has made stars,"  Salman Iqbal wrote on X.

 

The dispute began when Ali Tareen questioned the claim that PSL 10 would be the best edition yet. While acknowledging improved stadium conditions, he argued that the overall tournament structure remained unchanged.

 

"How is PSL 10 bigger and better? We've had nail-biting finishes every year, the same four stadiums, the same experience. Yes, the stadiums are improved, but does that make it the best and biggest PSL ever? No. I'm tired of these empty claims," he had said earlier.

 

Tareen also criticised the PSL's decision to feature Ali Zafar as the anthem singer once again, questioning why the league was not giving new artists a chance.