Lahore ( NNP ) The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises are facing a potential crisis as local star players may raise objections over their salaries, particularly with the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) expected to proceed as scheduled. In a recent meeting, attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer, franchise owners, and other officials, these concerns were brought to the forefront.
To address the possible salary discrepancies and to ensure the participation of foreign cricketers, additional compensation has been proposed for international players. The franchise owners collectively expressed their anxiety about a potential date clash with the IPL, prompting the PCB to assure them that efforts would be made to secure player availability by directly contacting other cricket boards and players.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier suggested that the PSL playoffs and finals might be held in England or Australia. Salman Naseer is set to review the associated expenses during the England tour and will provide a report to guide the final decision. Preparations for any additional costs and compensations for key players were also recommended.
Franchise owners are particularly worried about convincing top local stars such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan to accept lower salaries while foreign cricketers are offered higher remuneration. During the discussions, there was a proposal to negotiate with broadcasters regarding matches in England. The PCB also plans to engage with foreign boards to facilitate the participation of their players in the PSL.
One franchise owner suggested that the board should permit direct contracts with foreign players, with another owner adding that this should also apply to local cricketers. As the PSL faces these challenges, the resolution of these issues will be crucial to the smooth running and success of the upcoming season.
