Pakistan Cricket Board gets thrashed by PSL franchises amid ICC Champions Trophy turmoil; PCB on the verge of insolvency
Published - 17 Jul 2024, 12:42 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 05:57 AM
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises are still waiting for their share of the revenue, even though the last edition of the tournament turned out to be beneficial overall. The Pakistan Super League franchises have sent a reminder to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about the outstanding payments.
Ticket revenue for the PLS 2024 season suffered due to low attendance at matches in Karachi and rain-affected matches in Rawalpindi. The play-offs and finals at the National Stadium were also held on nearly empty grounds. Additionally, raising dollar rates increased player salaries, impacting team budgets.
According to reports, ticket sales for PSL 2024 dropped by 17%, causing a loss of around PKR 100 million due to low attendance at matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s overall revenue from this year’s T20 tournament is expected to exceed PKR 7 billion, with each franchise receiving more than PKR 98 crore.
However, expenses such as player salaries, travel, and accommodations could range between 55 and 60 million rupees for each team. With player salaries rising to 37 million rupees due to the increasing dollar rate, many franchises may face financial losses despite the revenue from the ninth edition of the PSL.
PSL Franchises Awaiting Their Share Of The Revenue
According to sports journalist Saleem Khaliq, PSL franchises are still waiting for their share of the revenue and have reminded the PCB about it. Saleem stated that the franchises are also eager to know the schedule for the 10th edition of the PSL.
"PSL franchises are awaiting their share of the revenue; they have sent a reminder letter to the PCB. The board itself is to receive over 3 billion rupees from various stakeholders. One owes 1256622048 rupees. The franchises are also keen to know the dates for the 10th edition," Saleem Khaliq wrote.
PSL franchises are awaiting their share of the revenue; they have sent a reminder letter to the PCB. The board itself is to receive over 3 billion rupees from various stakeholders. One owes 1256622048 rupees.The franchises are also keen to know the dates for the 10th edition
— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) July 17, 2024
PSL 2025 Dates To Clash With IPL 2025
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March 2025 in Pakistan, which may lead to the rescheduling of the Pakistan Super League. Consequently, the PSL, typically held in February, will be played in April-May 2025, overlapping with the world-richest cricket league, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Several cricketers, such as Sikander Raza, Rovman Powell, and David Willey, have participated in both the PSL and IPL in 2024. In the past, players like Andrew Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rashid Khan featured in both leagues. If the IPL and PSL schedules overlap in 2025, players may prefer the more lucrative IPL.
Both the IPL and PSL typically schedule their matches to start around the same time. The IPL enjoys a much larger global following, and its viewership is at an all-time high, while the PSL has a comparatively lower viewership. PSL may see a further decline in viewership and face challenges similar to those experienced by defunct leagues.
