Karachi, October 29, 2025: Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer has responded to recent criticism from Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen, who went viral after posting a video tearing up a legal notice issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Speaking to reporters in Karachi, Naseer stressed that PSL-related matters should be handled through “proper legal and administrative channels” rather than in public, underscoring the need to protect the league’s reputation.
“You want me to do the same thing they’re doing—to tarnish the reputation of this league. I can’t do that,” Naseer said.
“If this matter is to be discussed, it will be done in the boardroom, legally; and if it’s to be resolved, it will happen behind closed doors. Saying anything more would only add fuel to the fire.”
Tareen had earlier posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) offering a sarcastic “apology” to the PCB after receiving a legal notice accusing him of violating multiple clauses of the PSL’s 10-year franchise agreement. The notice reportedly demanded a formal apology and retraction, warning that non-compliance could lead to termination of Multan Sultans’ contract and Tareen’s blacklisting from the league.
In the video, Tareen mocked the PCB’s demands and questioned the board’s communication practices, saying: “I never received a single call, message, email, or invitation asking to meet and resolve these issues together.”
The video concluded with him dramatically tearing up the legal notice, ending his statement with: “So, I hope you like my apology video.”
When asked about Afghanistan’s withdrawal and the availability of Afghan players for the upcoming PSL season, Naseer described it as “a developing situation” that would be reviewed closer to the player draft.
“When the draft approaches, we will review it,” he said.
Addressing plans for league expansion, the PSL CEO said that the decision to increase the number of teams to eight was taken after extensive evaluation.
“Even the decision to have eight teams wasn’t an easy one. You have to assess whether the talent pool is deep enough to keep the PSL as competitive as it’s known to be,” he explained.
“Once all relevant data was assessed, we felt confident about expanding the league while maintaining its standard.”
Naseer added that further expansion would be considered at a later stage but described the current phase as “very exciting,” noting that the auction process for the two new teams is expected to be highly competitive.
