Daily Times

KARACHI: Multan Sultans franchise has decided to change its stance regarding how to determine the winner of the now-suspended fifth season of Pakistan Super League (PSL). According to details, the board officials recently held a meeting with PSL franchise owners via a teleconference, in order to find a favourable solution for the conclusion of the tournament’s fifth edition. The board made it clear in the meeting that it is eager to ensure that the remaining matches of the tournament take place in December. However, Sultans’ officials, during the meeting, argued that according to the tournament’s playing conditions rule, they should be crowned the champions as they finished top in the points table. According to reports, Sultans’ also sent an email to PCB after the meeting, in which it reiterated their objection regarding rescheduling the event. Earlier, owner of Sultans franchise, Alamgir Tareen had also spoken out against staging the knockout matches later in the year as it was not feasible. “We are yet to have a conversation with the PSL management to assess if and when they can find a window to schedule the playoffs,” Alamgir said. “However, we do not see the rescheduling of the playoffs to be practical. If the PSL does identify a window for the playoffs in the later part of the year, who knows which players will be able to come and what the composition of the teams will be.”

“Alternatively, if we set apart a week at the beginning of the next PSL and choose to play with newly drafted teams, it will be a part of PSL 6 more than a continuation of PSL 5,” he added. However, co-owner of Sultans, Ali Tareen on Friday, released a statement through his Twitter account, in which he supported the idea of concluding the tournament on the field. “Regarding how to finish PSL 5. Finishing at No.1 means we were the most dominant/consistent team, but it doesn’t mean we won. It would be ridiculous for the PCB to just give us the trophy. All 4 teams have the same chance of winning. Trophies should be won, not given,” Ali tweeted. “And as I’ve always said, trophies are not important. Helping players develop, giving them a platform and watching them excel is so much more rewarding. So that’s why I want the remaining games to be played later in the year so our local players get more opportunities to shine.” Reports further added that other franchises were surprised after learning about Ali’s recent statement. They said if Multan ultimately had to agree with PCB’s stance, then what was the point of raising objection in the meeting and later though email?