PSL Struggling, Some Owners Looking To Sell Franchises: Shoaib Akhtar

The inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) took place in 2015 with its first edition being held in the preceding year. The franchise-based T20 league in Pakistan was an instant hit with many international stars becoming a part of it sans the Indian cricketers. The foreign players in the PSL also advocated to resume ties in Pakistan, citing it is a safe place to play and security is well at place, after teams had feared to play in the country following the bus attack on Sri Lanka in 2009.

The PSL 2020 was at full flow when the tournament was decided to be suspended towards the fag end due to the novel coronavirus pandemic situation. England batsman Alex Hales was rumored to show symptoms of the deadly virus which fuelled the tournament to be suspended.

PSL owners are looking to sell their franchises: Shoaib Akhtar

Fast bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar, a star on YouTube these days, does not likes to mince words. Akhtar said people will not like to hear it but the PSL has seen economic crisis in the recent times and many owners are looking to sell the franchises. He, however, said that he would like to provide every kind of support required.

“I know some people wouldn’t like to hear this but some owners are looking to sell their franchises. I would be more than happy to provide financial and non-monetary support to keep the PSL alive and to thrive,” Shoaib Akhtar said on a television show.

“I think if we do the math, the PSL can’t be held before 16 to 18 months. The World Cup will also take probably after eight months because time is needed for the Coronavirus issue to settle down.

“The thing is if there is no proper cricket until say September, how can the PSL be held in four months? I don’t think the board can ask for money from the franchisees in this situation. As far as I know some franchises are already ready to sell their brand. They have offers,” Akhtar claimed.

The PSL 2020 was suspended before the semi-finals between Multan Sultans vs Peshwar Zalmi and Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalenders.