Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has expressed serious concerns over the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) continuing to clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) calendar.
Tareen warned that such scheduling could jeopardize the league’s ability to attract and retain top-tier international talent in the coming years.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tareen acknowledged that the HBL PSL has enjoyed remarkable growth since its launch in 2016, thanks in large part to the participation of global T20 stars like Darren Sammy, Shane Watson, Colin Munro, and Rilee Rossouw.
But with the IPL drawing away more and more high-profile players each season, Tareen questioned whether the PSL could continue to compete on that level.
“Can we keep attracting players of this calibre for the next decade if we keep clashing with the IPL window?” he asked. “Or will we keep losing our top performers to the IPL after a season or two?”
While Tareen admitted there was initial support for scheduling HBL PSL games during the IPL season—particularly as a way to carve out its own identity—he now suggests that approach may be doing more harm than good.
His remarks have reignited an ongoing debate within Pakistan cricket circles about player availability, global visibility, and the broader commercial impact of competing directly with the IPL—the most lucrative and widely watched T20 league in the world.
The concerns come as several foreign players have prioritized IPL contracts over PSL appearances this year, prompting league officials and franchises to reassess recruitment strategies and the overall competitiveness of the PSL on the international stage.
New Zealand great Kane Williamson reportedly joined Karachi Kings late due to his commentary commitments with IPL earlier this year, having gone undrafted in the IPL draft.
Tareen’s post also clarified his own commitment to the Multan Sultans, denying recent rumours of his exit from the franchise.
But his candid take on the PSL’s scheduling dilemma suggests major strategic discussions could be on the horizon.
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