PCB Fears IPL-Bound Players As PSL Franchises To Contact Directly To Sign Marquee Players
PCB Fears IPL-Bound Players (X.com)
In a groundbreaking movement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to contribute a major part of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises' payments in their overseas marque signings for the upcoming edition of the competition. The decision, as reported by Cricket Pakistan, has been taken for a purpose, as there will be direct communication between marquee overseas players and the franchises before even the draft process begins.
Pakistan Fears IPL Influence During PSL 10
The purpose behind PCB's latest decision is that there will be a collision between PSL and the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the next edition commences. The tenth edition of the PSL's possible window is set to be from April 10 to May 25, just when IPL generally takes place.
With this movement, the PCB believes they can negotiate with players to keep themselves in their competition instead of world's grandest franchise competition.
"Sources have revealed that the board is considering granting franchises the authority to negotiate directly with major players. Each team will have the opportunity to sign 1 to 2 marquee players, potentially offering them higher salary than usual to attract more star talent to the Pakistani league. The PCB will also contribute a portion of the payment," a Cricket Pakistan statement read.
PSL Franchises Yet To Receive Revenue Shares From Last Edition
Interestingly, the PSL franchises have not received their revenue shares from the ninth edition yet. Unpaid dues from key stakeholders of the competition are reportedly part of the happening.
Of course, PCB's desperate move to attract marquee overseas players will be there so that they can crack media and commercial deals. If most of them decide to join IPL instead of PSL, it will make a significant financial impact.
"This year, $500,000 was allocated from the broadcast deal for this purpose, and a similar arrangement is planned for next year," the report further added.
It will be interesting to see whether PCB's latest recommendation would help them to compete with IPL to a certain extent.