In a stunning twist that’s gripped Pakistan’s cricket community, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a legal notice to Ali Khan Tareen, the outspoken co-owner of Multan Sultans. The PCB has demanded that Tareen retract his recent criticisms of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management and issue a public apology. Failure to comply, the board warns, could result in the termination of Multan Sultans’ franchise agreement and a lifetime ban on Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.

This explosive development comes just months before the PSL’s original 11-year franchise contracts expire in December, throwing uncertainty over the league’s stability. The conflict stems from Tareen’s vocal dissatisfaction with the PSL’s management, which he accused of lacking transparency and vision. In a series of social media posts and interviews, Tareen openly mocked the league’s operations, from draft procedures to the quality of the opening ceremony. “How will PSL 10 be bigger and better with the same teams and games?” he asked in one viral clip, sparking heated debate among fans.

Ali Tareen’s clash with the PCB sparks major tension ahead of PSL 11

The PCB, however, views his outbursts as a breach of the franchise agreement. Officials claim his remarks have harmed the league’s reputation, especially with re-bidding for all six franchises, and two new ones, on the horizon. The board’s letter, revealed on October 23, warned Tareen of potential blacklisting from all future PSL involvement.

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Tareen’s reaction was characteristically defiant. In a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), he dramatically tore up the legal notice, offering a sarcastic “apology” to the PCB. “I’m sorry for wanting the mic to work and the show to start on time,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause online.

The Multan Sultans management stood firmly behind their owner, calling the PCB’s move “pettiness in the face of honest criticism.” Fans are split, some praising Tareen’s courage, others accusing him of immaturity.

As PSL 11 approaches, this confrontation has become more than a personal feud, it’s a test of whether Pakistan cricket can embrace accountability and dialogue or continue down the path of confrontation.

PCB Demands

In a promising development for Australian cricket fans, multiple top T20 players from Pakistan will be available to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued the long awaited No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The development comes just weeks before the BBL is set to begin on December 14, ending a long period of uncertainty that had pushed franchises and fans alike to the edge of their seats.

The suspension of NOCs in September after Pakistan lost a tight Asia Cup 2025 final against India, had left stars like Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan in limbo. With players barred from playing in overseas leagues, they had little option but to play domestic competitions like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, leaving BBL franchises scrambling to modify their plans.

Following thorough negotiations, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi guaranteed CA that NOCs would not be denied any players that met the basic fitness requirements and could make them available for their national teams. Players will now be allowed to play in up to two leagues overseas in a given year, provided they are not needed for over five-match cricket in the coming series with England and New Zealand. Todd Greenberg, the CEO of CA, welcomed this new order, stating, “The flair of Pakistani cricket brings excitement and quality to our league, both on and off the field.”

BBL Poised for a Star-Studded Season as Pakistani Players Suiting Up 

Franchises have already been getting ready to take advantage of these stars. The Brisbane Heat created a dedicated section for fans called the “Shaheen zone,” and the Melbourne Stars have had special ledges setup for Rauf. On the field, Babar will be in a position to anchor the middle order for the Sydney Sixers; Afridi’s raw pace is sure to trouble opposing batters, and Rizwan’s glove work will be important for the Renegades. Analysts are even indicating that attendance and viewership may increase by up to 20% simply because of the star power these international players bring.

ALSO SEE: South Africa end 18-year wait for Test win in Pakistan during PAK vs SA 2nd Test

Although cricket fans in Pakistan have had a mixed reaction- happy for the players' financial gain, but frustrated with the uncertainty of the board attitude - this is a reminder of the fine line between domestic needs and international exposure to the 'game'. With the final BBL drafts fast approaching, the approval of Pakistan's best T20 players is not only exciting but also exciting for spectators; we anticipate an exciting series of games, sold out arenas, and magnificent moments to witness in Australia.

Highlights Include:

Players Approved: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan

BBL Impact: More engagement with fans, multiple players receiving substantial contracts

PCB Position: Approvals were based on performance of the national team

CA Position: "Thrilled- Pak flair adds to our product" -Todd Greenberg

In a major shake-up in Pakistan’s T20 landscape, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a formal termination notice to the owners of Multan Sultans, signaling the potential end of the franchise’s long-standing association with the league at the conclusion of PSL 10. The move comes amid growing tensions over franchise renewal policies and revenue-sharing structures, leaving the Sultans’ future in limbo.

Multan Sultans, under the ownership of Ali Tareen since 2018, have been one of the most successful teams in PSL history. The franchise has qualified for the playoffs every season since its debut, winning one championship in 2021 (PSL 6) and finishing as runners-up four times, including in PSL 10 earlier this year. Stars like Mohammad Rizwan, Shane Watson, Rilee Rossouw, and David Miller have donned the Sultans jersey, making the team a powerhouse in the league.

However, financial strain has plagued the franchise. Multan Sultans was acquired in 2017 for a record $5.2 million per season, significantly higher than original PSL teams like Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. Under PCB rules, renewing owners must pay their original fee plus 25% or match a new market valuation, pushing Multan’s renewal cost beyond $6.5 million annually. Tareen has openly criticized the economics, noting the franchise has not been profitable under these terms and opting not to renew. Instead, he plans to rebid in a fresh auction, hoping for a more sustainable deal.

PCB Prepares for PSL 11 Expansion as Multan Sultans’ Future Hangs in the Balance

The PCB, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized fairness and transparency in the rebidding process, particularly as PSL prepares to expand with two new teams for its 11th season. While the board sees Tareen’s exit as a chance to attract fresh investment, questions remain about player retention, especially for stars like Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed.

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Fans have expressed outrage over the potential upheaval, with #SaveMultanSultans trending on social media. The Sultans’ passionate fan base considers the team a symbol of Punjab pride, reflecting the energy and excitement the franchise brings to the league.

As PSL 10 nears its conclusion, the franchise’s final season under Tareen unfolds, with the team chasing playoff glory. Meanwhile, the off-season auction will determine whether the Sultans remain in Tareen’s hands or enter a new chapter in PSL history.

Multan Sultans Legacy:

• PSL Debut: PSL 3
• Championships: 1 (2021)
• Runner-up Finishes: 4
• Notable Players: Mohammad Rizwan, Shane Watson, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it has not yet chosen a captain for the national men’s team ahead of the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has requested a joint meeting between the Selection Committee and the Advisory Committee to make a final decision on who will lead the side in the three-match series.

According to the PCB, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has forwarded Hesson’s letter to the two committees, who will meet on October 20 to decide the matter. Sources close to the board said that the talks about a potential leadership change are linked to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, a suggestion believed to have come from Hesson himself.

The committees have reportedly been in discussions with a potential candidate who has asked for a guaranteed captaincy term until the 2027 World Cup and full freedom in team decisions.

ODI Captaincy: Rizwan under pressure

The PCB’s statement notably made no mention of Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain last year. His status now appears uncertain, with the board indicating that the leadership role is still open.

Rizwan has led Pakistan to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but 2025 has been a difficult year for the side, including a loss in the home tri-series final to New Zealand, an early Champions Trophy exit, and a series defeat in the West Indies.

Despite this, Rizwan’s personal form has remained strong. He is Pakistan’s second-highest ODI run-scorer in 2025, with 361 runs at an average above 36, and also made a valuable 75-run contribution in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

However, insiders suggest that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha are in contention to replace Rizwan, with Afridi reportedly the frontrunner.

Shaheen’s redemption arc

Afridi’s name in the captaincy discussion is significant, considering his previous experience as T20I captain, a position he lost soon after Mohsin Naqvi became PCB Chairman. Naqvi had declined to confirm Afridi’s future as captain at the time, insisting that the board wanted a “long-term solution.”

Within a week, Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam, a move that sparked controversy after the PCB issued a statement under Afridi’s name which he claimed he never approved. The matter has since cooled, and sources suggest that Afridi’s relationship with the PCB has significantly improved under Hesson’s tenure.

Although Hesson does not hold the power to appoint the captain, the fact that Naqvi agreed to put the matter before both committees suggests that Hesson’s influence within the PCB setup has grown considerably.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] India dismiss Travis Head with superb planning during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

South Africa’s tour of Pakistan – Full Schedule

South Africa Squads

T20I Squad
David Miller (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI Squad
Matthew Breetzke (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Test Squad
Aiden Markram (C), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (WK).

Pakistan Squads

Test Squad
Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afrid, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20I Squad: TBA
ODI Squad: TBA

Decision expected soon

The PCB has confirmed that the joint committee meeting to decide on the ODI captain will take place on October 20, with a final decision likely to follow immediately after.

For now, Rizwan remains Pakistan’s ODI captain in name, but with Hesson pushing for long-term leadership stability and Afridi’s growing influence, a change appears increasingly inevitable.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to take a significant step in keeping an eye on the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup. If their plan works out, then the competition can be more interesting. 

According to the latest speculations, PCB is likely to fix a T20I series with Sri Lanka ahead of ICC's elite tournament. As per reports, PCB is likely to arrange a tour to Sri Lanka to play a T20I series in January, ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup. If things go according to the plans, then these two Asian teams can play 3 T20I matches against each other during the possible tour.

The upcoming edition of the T20I World Cup is scheduled to be played in February 2026. India and Sri Lanka will be the joint hosts of the tournament. Before the competition, a series in Sri Lanka can prove very useful for the Pakistan cricket team for preparations. According to media reports, the T20 World Cup 2026 is likely to be held from February 7 to March 8.

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PCB's plan can made a significant impact 

India, the champion of the T20I World Cup 2024, will enter the tournament as the hot favorite to win the title again. On the other side, the Pakistan cricket team has been going through a transition phase and has experienced some turbulent situations in recent times. They showed some glimpses of brilliance during the Asia Cup 2025, but that was not enough to defeat India and win the title. Sri Lanka, who qualified for the Super Four round, also lacked consistency in the format. 

Ahead of the tournament, if Pakistan is able to prepare in the best possible way, then the tournament can be more competitive. As of now, the probable move by the PCB is looking brilliant on paper. It will be interesting to see how they can execute the opportunity. 

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will continue to lead the team in red-ball cricket, much to his relief. Despite Pakistan’s poor performance in the last World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Masood will remain captain for the 2025–27 WTC cycle. The decision ensures stability for the side as they prepare for upcoming series, including matches against South Africa.

On Tuesday, Masood and Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Azhar Mahmood, met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. According to ESPNCricinfo, the captain-coach duo has been given a free hand to manage the team. Ironically, neither Masood nor Mahmood was part of the selection committee for choosing the squad for the upcoming South Africa series. Masood replaced Babar Azam as Test captain after the 2023 World Cup, but the team has shown limited progress since then. Many had speculated that Masood could be replaced after Pakistan finished at the bottom of the WTC 2023–25 points table.

Masood's central contract was recently reduced from Category B to Category D, the lowest level, indicating the team's haplessness under his command. Pakistan lost nine of the 12 Tests played under him, which shows how much work needs to be done. In spite of those performances, his captaincy is safe, at least for the moment.

Azhar Mahmood Also Retained as Head Coach

Azhar Mahmood will remain the head coach of red-ball cricket in Pakistan. Since the start of 2024, there has already been more than one coaching change, including with Jason Gillespie, who left unexpectedly following an argument with the PCB. Mahmood now has the job of rebuilding the team and improving results.

See Also: PCB launches ‘PCB Live’ streaming platform for Pakistan cricket fans

Together, Masood and Mahmood will be responsible for building Pakistan's red-ball team, grooming youngsters, and enhancing the team's performance. Their priority will be to regain confidence and competitiveness as Pakistan embarks on a new journey in Test cricket with the 2025–27 WTC cycle.

BCCI is trying to push for the removal of ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, and there are reports that the Board has proposed a deal with the Sri Lanka board. This deal is to send retired cricket stars to participate in the 2025 Lanka Premier League.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final; however, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side refused to receive the winner's trophy from the ACC Chief, Mohsin Naqvi, as he also holds a position in Pakistan's internal ministry and heads the PCB.

Following this, the controversy further escalated, with Naqvi too taking it personally, as he too vented out his frustration on the Indian team and the BCCI, taking the trophy away and forcing India to take it only from the ACC headquarters. The BCCI, after the move, has vowed to take action against the ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi; they had also threatened to dethrone him from the position of chairperson of the Asian Cricket Council.

Reports Reveal BCCI’s Plan and PCB’s Response

"BCCI is trying to push Chairman ACC Mohsin Naqvi down in the Asian Cricket Council," claimed reports from Pakistani reporter Abubakar Bin Tallat. "Their plan? Offering Sri Lanka’s board a deal: send India’s recently retired cricket stars (think big names!) to play in the 2025 Lanka Premier League," the reports from the abovementioned source also revealed.

"But PCB will not be backing down, and Naqvi is ready to stand strong and protect the influence in Asian cricket," the reporter added. Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council chief, was reported to be honoured by his country's government for his stance against India in the Asia Cup final. While the actions following the Asia Cup final in Dubai were criticised by several cricket boards around the globe, it seems a matter of pride for Pakistan.

🚨🚨 Breaking Update: BCCI is trying to push Chairman ACC Mohsin Naqvi down in the Asian Cricket Council. Their plan? Offering Sri Lanka’s board a deal: send India’s recently retired cricket stars (think big names!) to play in the 2025 Lanka Premier League. But PCB will not be… pic.twitter.com/lcHliefU7O

— Abubakar Bin Tallat (@AbubakarAbbasii) October 7, 2025

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As per the reports, the award ceremony would include Naqvi being honoured with a gold medal, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was invited as the chief guest, though the date has not been finalised yet.

After Pakistan's loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, it rekindled conversations about Babar Azam's future in Pakistan's T20I plans. Once a cornerstone of the batting lineup, the previous exclusion of Azam from the T20 squad earlier this year caught many off-guard. National head coach Mike Hesson had stated that Azam would need to improve his strike rate and ability to rotate strike against spin in order to be called back on to the T20 journey with the team. However, given Pakistan's difficulties at the top of their batting order throughout the year, should Babar Azam be called back into Pakistan's T20I plans? 

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Looking at the trends from 2023's T20I tournament, there is clearly an issue with Pakistan's top-order performances. While several different players have batted in the top-three positions, the majority have struggled to provide stability. The strike rates have been unusually low, the slow start meant Pakistan were unable to secure the momentum necessary within the powerplay. In contrast to the current top-order batting unit, Babar Azam's experience and unique ability to 'anchor' innings may potentially provide the team with the consistency they presently lack. Below is a table of Pakistan's top-order batters batting in the T20I format in 2023:

Babar Azam in T20Is

After the Asia Cup embarrassment, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) recently announced several changes to its squad, including summoning Shadab Khan and reporting Shaheen Shah Afridi back to the Test squad. This is a clear signal of a shift in policy that will see the team's reliance on experience to stabilize a developing but inconsistent side. Introducing Babar Azam back into the T20 squad could have a dual impact - bolstering the batting line-up while providing some added leadership to help younger players when needed.

In summary, if Babar Azam returns, he would need to reconsider his previous issues with strike rate and innings management. However, Azam has shown himself to be a reliable contributor to an innings, particularly in pressure situations. Pakistan's batting is currently inconsistent, and there is a need for a balanced batting strategy at the top. Introducing Azam back to the T20 squad may provide Pakistan T20 with the batting stability and experience required for future international assignments.

As anticipation builds for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 Final between India and Pakistan at at the Dubai International Stadium, on Sunday, September 28, the fast bowler, Arshdeep Singh, has captured the attention, due not only to his bowling but also for a cryptic post on social media. On Instagram, Arshdeep shared a video with the caption, “Pithh piche bolde munh te aa K chup ni 🤫 ” (They say at the back and at front they stay silent). Fans are trying to understand what he meant, especially since this comes right after a controversy involving him.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Arshdeep. According to reports, PCB claimed that Arshdeep made inappropriate gestures towards the crowd after India’s match against Pakistan on September 21. They argued that this behaviour went against the ICC Code of Conduct and tarnished the spirit of the game. The matter is still under review.

Despite the off-field drama, Arshdeep has impressed with his performances in the tournament. During a tightly-fought Super Over against Sri Lanka on September 26, the left-arm quick bowler conceded just two runs while taking two wickets. He showed his composed temperament under pressure as India secured victory off the last ball – a reflection of why he has been India's most trustworthy T20 bowler.

Arshdeep’s On-Field Form and Career Milestones

In the main match against Sri Lanka, it was not as comfortable. Arshdeep gave up 46 runs in four overs and did take a wicket, but his career statistics are still impressive. He most recently became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 100 wickets in T20 internationals by reaching it in just 64 matches. 

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A post shared by Arshdeep Singh (@_arshdeep.singh__)

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It is now a question of whether or not Arshdeep Singh will be in India’s playing XI for the final against Pakistan. Fans are waiting to see him perform on the field, and to see if his performance on the big stage addresses his off-field actions from recently.

India and Pakistan are getting ready for the Asia Cup 2025 Final, which will be played on Sunday (September 28) in Dubai. While the India vs Pakistan match is now very different than previous times, the tension is rising, especially after the news that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi will hand over the trophy to the tournament-winning captain on Sunday.  

Actually the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). So, it was very much expected that he would present the trophy to the winning captain, maintaining the tournament culture. On the other hand, the relationships between Indian and Pakistani cricketers are now very different. While India have decided not to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers in protest of the 2025 Pahalgam attack, in their last meeting, at the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025, a few Pakistani cricketers' on-field actions were controversially provocative. 

Even Mohsin Naqvi entered the controversy with his recent social media post of Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration, which was similar to Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf's provocative on-field action "plane crash", for which the Pakistan cricketer has been fined. On the other hand, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined for his post-match comments after their first meeting in the Asia Cup 2025 in the group stage (Group A).

See Also: Hardik Pandya to miss India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final? Morne Morkel's comment raises tension

Let's see what the BCCI decides

While it is clear now that the PCB chief will present the trophy, it will be interesting to see what the reaction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

A tournament insider told PTI, "As of now, information is that he will come this evening and obviously, as ACC chairman, he will be giving away the winner's trophy. Let's see what the BCCI decides."

PCB Chief wasn't present during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

A similar situation happened during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, which was held last March in Dubai, and India won that title. As Pakistan was the original host of that tournament, the PCB chief was expected to present the trophy. But in the absence of the PCB chief, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented that trophy. Although the PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed was present on the ground, who was also the tournament director, he couldn't join the podium reportedly due to the rules of the ICC tournament.