The stage is set for a fiery showdown as the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) approaches. Former champion franchise owner Ali Tareen has ignited a storm with his bold accusations, forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to fire back with a hard-hitting response.
PCB Hits Back Hard: ‘Tareen is Out to Sabotage the League’
A senior PCB official didn’t hold back, accusing Tareen of deliberately trying to stir controversy and destabilize the tournament. The official revealed that while the PSL Code of Conduct grants the board authority to take action against disruptive franchise owners, reacting publicly now could harm the league. “If anyone has complaints, they should come to us directly,” the official declared. “Sadly, the person making these accusations doesn’t even bother to attend meetings. If he did, these issues wouldn’t even come up.”
Rival Leagues at War: PCB Stands Strong Amidst Growing Tensions
The official also pointed out that our neighboring country has already set the bar, introducing Urdu commentary and cutting-edge umpire technology to boost their league. In contrast, Tareen took aim at singer Ali Zafar’s selection for the PSL anthem, raising objections before other options could even be considered.
Tareen’s ‘Rental Model’ Bombshell: A Game-Changer for Franchise Owners
Tareen’s criticism didn’t stop there. He lashed out at the PCB’s controversial “rental model,” claiming that PSL franchise owners are essentially paying to “rent” their teams instead of owning them outright. “We pay rent every year to hold on to our teams,” he fumed, “and if we don’t, we lose all rights. There’s no opportunity for foreign investment like the IPL. The board has failed to present any solid plans for PSL 11, and if the revenue-sharing model continues, things are going to get ugly.”
Ali Zafar Anthem Controversy: Tareen’s Instagram Attack Goes Viral
Tareen didn’t mince words when it came to the choice of Ali Zafar for the PSL 10 anthem. On Instagram, he took a shot at the popular singer, claiming that “half of the PSL anthems have gone to the same ‘middle-aged’ singer,” despite the wealth of talent in Pakistan.
Despite the drama, it’s worth noting that the PSL 10 anthem features not just Zafar but also Talha Anjum, Natasha Baig, and Abrar-ul-Haq.