'Critics from India doubted us': War of words between PSL team owners

The team owners of Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans are involved in a war of words ahead of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League, which will start on April 11. The first match will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Earlier this week, Ali Tareen, the owner of the Multan Sultans franchise, criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for claiming that the 2025 PSL will be bigger than the previous seasons.

“How is PSL 10 bigger and better? Someone explain it 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 said on the UltraEdge podcast by CrickWick.
"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.
“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.”

Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal responded to Tareen’s comments. He wrote on X: "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 which has made stars."
"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 the unveiling of the PSL trophy," he added.
"Salman Naseer and the PCB team are giving their all to uplift PSL. Instead of negativity and denunciation of the league, we, 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."