PSL teams in conflict with PCB over direct clash with IPL 2025; Franchises frightened on player availability

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) versus Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Indian Premier League (IPL) versus Pakistan Super League (PSL) battle is not new to cricket fans, but this time the war has broken out between PCB and PSL.

The Pakistan Super League franchises are becoming increasingly frustrated with the PCB, as the highly anticipated list of potential players for direct signings remains unavailable, according to Pakistani media.

With the retention and draft for the PSL 2025 approaching, franchises are left in the dark and eagerly waiting for the PCB to provide the names of players they can sign, but the board has yet to provide them with the list.

Tensions rise as PSL franchises demand answers from PCB amid possible clash with IPL 2025

As if the delay wasn’t enough, tensions between the Pakistan Super League teams and the PCB have arisen due to a looming schedule conflict with the IPL 2025.

According to the reports from news agency PTI, the PCB has suggested that the next edition of the Pakistan Super League could take place from April 10 to May 25, directly clashing with the IPL, which will be held in the March-May window.

The overlapping dates have led to a bitter standoff between the PSL franchises and PCB, with both sides pointing fingers at each other.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Super League franchises are demanding answers from the PCB, accusing the board of poor planning that could severely disrupt their season and impact them financially.

Amid this chaos, the Pakistan Super League franchises have also raised serious concerns over the potential fallout on media and commercial deals.

They have urged the PCB to conduct immediate research into the matter, fearing that PSL’s overlap with the IPL next year could impact the attention and revenue, leaving Pakistan’s T20 league in a vulnerable position.

A senior Pakistani journalist Saleem Khaliq revealed on X: “PSL franchises have requested PCB a list of potential players for direct signing, which has not yet been provided.

Additionally, the clash of the league's schedule with the IPL has led both parties to blame each other. The franchises have also demanded research on the possible impact on media and commercial deals.”

PSL franchises have requested PCB a list of potential players for direct signing, which has not yet been provided to them. Additionally, the clash of the league's schedule with the IPL has led both parties to blame each other. The franchises have also demanded research on the…

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) September 11, 2024

PCB reveals plan for "Connection Camp" to revive Pakistan Cricket

In the meantime, the PCB has revealed plans to conduct a comprehensive review of its domestic and international cricket structures to restore Pakistan's dominance in the game.

With this move, the board wants to address concerns about declining performances in all three formats of the game. This "connection camp" will be held in Lahore on September 23 to start the process.

Notable individuals attending include Pakistan coaches, Gary Kirsten, white-ball head coach, and Jason Gillespie, red-ball head coach; PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi; and elite players, like the white-ball captain Babar Azam and red-ball captain Shan Masood.

Intending to improve Pakistan's cricket system from the ground up to the international stage, the camp aims to reverse the present downward trend in all formats. The head of the PCB has called the connecting camp a crucial first step in turning around the fortunes of the Pakistan team.