Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen rejected the notion of the tenth edition of the tournament being better than the previous nine. Tareen questioned the excellence of the tournament, questioning what is PSL doing different than other leagues to be called bigger than better.
It was in 2015 that the first edition of the tournament took place and the competition will complete 10 years in 2025. The 2025 edition will kickstart on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi.
Speaking during a podcast of Cricwick, Tareen dismissed the hype about PSL 10, claiming that nothing has changed about the tournament as it's the same four teams and similar close shaves are set to follow.
"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 teams. We’ve had nail-biting finishes every year — seven close matches annually, 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."
"It’s disappointing to see our successful brand being neglected" - Ali Tareen
Tareen suggested that it's being repeated every year that the current season will be bigger season but nothing is being done to elevate its status.
"I am tired of these promises from the PCB and management about making this the biggest season. What exactly are we doing differently to make it the best? They claim it will be bigger while repeating the same things as last year. How? 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 successful brand being neglected."
