Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans owner get in a Public fight 5 days before PSL starts

In a recent development, Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal publicly criticized Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen for his negative remarks about the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Karachi Kings defended the PSL as a true "made-in-Pakistan" success amid Tareen’s claim that the PCB failed to deliver on promises.

PSL 10 is scheduled to kick off on Friday, April 11, and will conclude on May 18.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer stated that the upcoming season will "elevate the spectacle further, promising bigger stars, higher stakes, and celebrations worthy of a decade of excellence."

PSL Team Owner Ali Tareen Rips Apart PCB

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s claims of making PSL 10 “bigger and better.” He stated that the board made “hollow” promises. Tareen expressed doubt over the minimal improvements, adding that nothing has changed—same teams, same matches.

"How is PSL 10 bigger and better? Someone explain to me. When we say these hollow words that this is going to be the best PSL, what does that even mean? How will it be the best PSL? It’s the same games, same teams," he questioned.

Tareen also urged the PSL organizers to plan innovative ideas to enhance the league. Tareen also previously condemned the board’s handling of pacer Ihsanullah’s surgery, claiming it cost the bowler his express pace permanently.

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Chooses to Publicly Ridicule and Disrespect This League - Salman Iqbal

Salman Iqbal defended the Pakistan Super League in response to Ali Tareen’s criticism. He urged Tareen to support rather than undermine the tournament.

"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 continous growth. PSL is Pakistan’s pride a product which has made stars," Iqbal wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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 continous growth. PSL is Pakistan’s pride a product which…

— Salman Iqbal ARY (@Salman_ARY) April 6, 2025

Karachi Kings' Salman Iqbal Calls 'Jeeto Pakistan' the Biggest Game Show in the Country

Karachi Kings' owner Salman Iqbal said that ARY Communications (Pvt) Limited (ARY) secured the league’s broadcast rights in Pakistan with a record-breaking bid—a 45% increase from previous deals. He pointed to this as clear evidence of the PSL’s continued rise.

"From day one, ARY stood by PSL placing the highest bid to own Karachi Kings, building its image through our platforms, and broadcasting every draft live and uninterrupted. Later, A Sports stepped up and gave the highest ever bid for PSL TV rights a testament to our belief in this league. And this ramzan ARY offered their highest rated and biggest game show of Pakistan which is watched by millions around the world daily during ramzan "Jeeto Pakistan" for unveiling of PSL trophy," Iqbal added.

"Salman Naseer and the PCB team are giving their all to uplift PSL. Instead of negativity and denunciation of the league, us as team owners must step up and back their efforts. PSL is more than cricket. It’s a MADE-in-PAKISTAN success story. Every stakeholder, including Ali Tareen, benefits from its growth. So Let’s protect what we’ve built."

The Pakistan Super League, launched by the PCB in 2016, has six teams, including Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, that represent major cities. It has become a crucial platform for local talent.

PSL has boosted Pakistan’s sports industry. The 2025 season, set to be played in the IPL window, has attracted big international names like David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell—players who aren’t engaged in the IPL or international duty. Warner is set to lead the Karachi Kings.

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