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A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Pakistan cricket as Multan Sultans’ owner, Ali Khan Tareen, openly defied the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being served with a legal notice. The notice accused Tareen of breaching specific clauses of the franchise’s 10-year contract by making “critical and defamatory” statements against the board.

It demanded that he withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology, failing which, the PCB warned of severe consequences — including termination of Multan Sultans’ ownership rights and a possible lifetime ban from team ownership.

Instead of yielding, Tareen made his stance public, denouncing the PCB’s actions as “petty and intolerant of accountability.” In a bold act of protest, he tore up the legal notice during a video shared online, symbolizing his refusal to be intimidated. His gesture has since gone viral, sparking a wider debate within Pakistan’s cricketing community about freedom of speech and governance within the sport.

“Criticism Isn’t a Crime,” Says Ali Khan Tareen

Tareen defended his comments, insisting that constructive criticism is essential for progress. “If pointing out flaws is considered an offense, then we are discouraging honesty,” he stated. According to him, his remarks were meant to highlight areas where the PCB could improve in transparency and management — not to insult or undermine the institution.

The Multan Sultans owner emphasized that his loyalty to Pakistan cricket remains unwavering but said the board’s reaction reflects a “lack of openness and maturity.” He accused the PCB of prioritizing image control over genuine reform. His boldness struck a chord with many fans, who praised him for standing up against what they saw as an overreach by the board.

Franchise Backs Its Owner, Tension Rises in PSL

Following the controversy, the Multan Sultans franchise publicly backed Tareen’s stand, saying his concerns were shared by others within the Pakistan Super League (PSL) circle. The team’s management released a statement stressing that accountability should not be silenced through legal threats. They reiterated that criticism, when fair, strengthens institutions rather than weakens them.

The ongoing standoff has raised fresh questions about how the PCB handles dissent from its franchise partners. While the board has yet to respond formally to Tareen’s public act of defiance, insiders believe this episode could deepen the rift between PSL teams and cricket authorities — potentially influencing the league’s governance and future relations.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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