Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has voiced concern over the Pakistan Super League (PSL) continuing to overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL), warning that the clash may weaken the league’s appeal to international players.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Tareen praised the PSL’s growth since its launch in 2016, crediting global stars like Darren Sammy and Shane Watson for its success. However, he questioned whether the league could maintain this momentum if it keeps competing with the IPL calendar.
Tareen argued that the scheduling conflict could lead to top international players favouring IPL deals over PSL commitments. He pointed out that while the PSL initially chose to schedule during the IPL to establish its own space, that strategy might now be proving counterproductive.
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His remarks have reignited debate within Pakistan cricket circles, particularly around player availability and the commercial risks of going head-to-head with the IPL—widely considered the most profitable and watched T20 league globally.
This year, several overseas cricketers opted for IPL opportunities instead of playing in the PSL. For instance, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson joined Karachi Kings late due to his IPL commentary duties.
Tareen also dismissed rumours suggesting he was stepping away from the Multan Sultans, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.
His statement has sparked discussions among PSL officials, with potential strategic changes expected as the league looks to protect its global reputation and player pool.