"South Punjab Has Its Voice Again" – Ali Tareen Hails the Emotional Return of Multan Sultans to PSL

The return of Multan Sultans to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has triggered an emotional response from former owner Ali Tareen, who publicly welcomed the franchise’s revival and thanked Gohar Shah for steering the move that brings top-tier cricket back to South Punjab.

The development was formalized in Lahore, where PSL officials confirmed that the Sialkot Stallionz license, previously acquired in January’s auction, has now transitioned under CD Ventures, led by Gohar Shah. Following the takeover, the franchise has been rebranded as Multan Sultans, restoring one of the league’s most regionally symbolic teams. League authorities also disclosed that the franchise’s revised valuation stands at Rs 2 billion annually after restructuring.

For Tareen, however, the story was less about financials and more about identity. Reflecting on his seven-year association with the side, he described his departure as dignified but admitted the team’s removal from the PSL had left a lasting void.

“After seven years with Multan Sultans, I left with no regrets. That chapter of my life gave me some of my proudest moments, and I will always be grateful for it,” he wrote.

“The only moment that truly affected me was when Multan was removed from the league. That hurt. More than anything. Not because of what it meant for me, but because of what it meant for the fans and the people of South Punjab.”

Tareen emphasized the cultural and emotional relevance of the franchise beyond cricketing boundaries.

“South Punjab has always been underrepresented. Its people are passionate, talented, and deserve every platform they can get,” he wrote.

“Multan Sultans was never just a cricket team. It was a symbol of pride for an entire region that has long been overlooked.”

He concluded with a direct acknowledgment of Shah’s efforts.

“The city has its team again. South Punjab has its voice again.”

The reinstatement of Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League marks more than a structural shift. It reconnects a region to its sporting identity.