The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a cricket competition organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It’s a three-week tournament scheduled for February 2016 with five teams from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Islamabad. The tournament has 24 matches from February 4 to 23, using a double round-robin format followed by knockout stages with eliminator matches.
Whose idea was it?
The idea of having Pakistan’s own T20 league started when Dr. Nasim Ashraf was the PCB chairman from 2007 to 2008. Inspired by the now-defunct ICL and the successful IPL, the concept didn’t materialize initially due to financial issues. Later, Zaka Ashraf revived the project, aiming to host it in Pakistan, but it faced delays. The project gained momentum under Najam Sethi, who took charge after Zaka Ashraf’s removal.
Why were Qatar and UAE considered for hosting PSL?
Finding a host country for the PSL was challenging. Initially, the UAE was chosen, but another party scheduled an event on the same dates. Qatar was considered, but its limited facilities led to complications. Eventually, the PCB struck a deal with the UAE, where the PSL could share venues with another league. The preference for the UAE was due to its history of hosting Pakistan’s international matches.
Who owns the PSL franchises, and how are they linked to cricket?
Despite a less-than-expected response, the PCB attracted bids from companies to own the five teams for $93 million over ten years. Salman Iqbal (ARY Group) owns Karachi, an Oil Company from Qatar owns Lahore, Haier Group owns Peshawar, Leonine Global Sports owns Islamabad, and Omar Associate owns Quetta. The franchise owners have varying connections to cricket, with some having past links and involvement in the sport.
Who has the broadcasting and title sponsorship rights?
Habib Bank Limited has the title sponsorship for three years. Ten Sports and PTV Sports are the official broadcasters, and Sunset + Vine holds the production rights. Tech Front, a UAE-based company, has the global television rights. The broadcasting deal is valued at $15 million, and the overall sponsorship deal, including title sponsorship, is estimated to be more than $6 million.
How will franchises earn from the PSL?
Franchises will earn revenue from broadcast rights (80% shared equally), sponsorship rights (50% shared equally), and ticketing sales and gate money (50% shared equally). Unlike other leagues, the PCB bears the cost of the venue, so franchises receive only 50% of the gate revenue.
How will players be selected for the PSL?
Player selection involves a draft, with over 100 players, including foreigners, chosen in five categories. Each franchise has a $1.2 million spending cap for players, coaches, and support staff. Teams can pick five foreign players, with only four allowed in the playing XI. The draft ensures fair distribution of top players, and a lottery system determines the order in the absence of regular-season records.
PSL 2024: Venue Dilemma and General Elections
The ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) faces a potential venue change for its initial 15 matches due to the looming general elections. Here’s an overview of the recent developments:
PSL Governing Council Decision
During a recent meeting, the PSL governing council decided to conduct the tournament from February 8 to March 24. However, holding the initial matches in Pakistan is deemed unfeasible due to the simultaneous general elections.
Exploring Overseas Options
PCB management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf suggested exploring the possibility of hosting the early PSL matches abroad. Despite concerns from PSL franchises about increased expenses, the sentiment was clear: “The PSL should be held in Pakistan, as it is the brand of the country.”
Franchise Stance and Contingency Plans
Franchises expressed their willingness to seek permission to host the PSL in Pakistan. However, they also acknowledged the need for a contingency plan in case the interior ministry refused to provide security during the elections. Their stance: “If security becomes an issue, then we will consider staging the PSL abroad.”
PCB’s Consideration of Dubai as a Venue
In September, reports surfaced that the PCB was contemplating holding the ninth edition of the PSL in Dubai. Here’s a closer look at the factors influencing this decision:
Cost-Cutting Measures and Election Concerns
Sources indicated that the decision to consider Dubai was influenced by the expected general elections and aimed at reducing local administration expenses. However, franchises were not in favor of changing the venue for the marquee tournament.
Franchise Concerns and Meeting Highlights
A crucial meeting of the PSL governing body on September 25 highlighted concerns about potential delays and the impact on foreign players committed to other leagues. The franchises were anxious about securing a smooth and timely execution of PSL 9 Schedule 2024.
PSL’s first 15 matches are likely to be held in South Africa or the UAE
For the upcoming PSL season, there’s a possibility that the first 15 matches may be held in South Africa or the UAE. This decision stems from the challenges posed by the general elections in Pakistan during that period. The final call on the venue is yet to be made, balancing the desire to keep the league in Pakistan and the practicalities of the situation.
