Ali Tareen, the former owner of Multan Sultans, chose to remain silent during the high-profile Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction, opting not to place a single bid to reclaim ownership of the franchise. Despite being present at the venue as one of the five qualified bidders, Tareen’s entity, Deharki Sugar Mills (DSM), did not make a move during the bidding process.
The franchise had a base reserve price of Rs. 182 crore, a figure that may have influenced Tareen’s decision not to enter the competition. In a video message posted to Instagram just before the auction, Tareen addressed his fans, warning them not to assume he would acquire the team regardless of the cost.
“We have submitted our papers, and we are one of the qualified bidders for the team,” Tareen stated. “But I want everyone to have realistic expectations and temper them. It’s not a given that I will go for Multan Sultans at any cost.” Tareen emphasized financial prudence as the driving factor behind his decision.
While Tareen refrained from bidding, Walee Technologies, led by CEO Muhammad Ahsan Tahir, seized the opportunity and won the franchise with a record-breaking bid of Rs. 245 crore. The acquisition signals the end of the Multan Sultans brand under Tareen’s ownership, with the new owners planning a complete overhaul, including relocating the team to Rawalpindi and rebranding it with a new name.
Tareen’s decision to prioritize financial discipline sparked backlash from fans, with social media platforms flooded with memes and criticism. Many mocked the former owner for his inaction despite his presence at the auction, leaving fans disappointed with his apparent lack of effort to regain control of the franchise.
