Salman Butt Says PSL Aspiring To Be Like IPL Is ‘Useless And Illogical’

Former Pakistani captain Salman Butt has opined that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) officials need to stop aspiring to make the league like India’s Indian Premier League (IPL), as it is useless and there is no logic behind it.

Ever since Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to start a T20 league of its own, fans, former cricketers and experts have been comparing it to the Indian Premier League, which has established itself as one of the topmost sporting brands in the world and has been listed alongside the likes of NFL, NBA, and Premier League football, etc.

The 37-year-old stated that the IPL operates on a different level and comparisons of any sort should be avoided. However, several current and former cricketers have maintained that the IPL remains the most competitive tournament as world-class cricketers ply their trade in it.

In a YouTube video, Butt believes it is pointless for the PSL to develop animosity with the players or compete with the IPL.

He feels the PSL is already doing well and said: “To develop animosity with players or aspire to be like IPL, is useless and has no logic behind it. It’s better to calm down and maintain your limits.

“The limits are whatever resources we have, we are doing our best. The franchises are trying their best and have given players extra money numerous times.

I feel both leagues take care of their players well enough and nobody has complained about the PSL. PSL makes 70% advance payment.

“Hence, it is not short of any goodness. However, we can only spend so much and we should look at it that way. It makes no sense to compare it constantly.”

Since the introduction of the PSL and its gain in popularity, comparisons with the IPL have become widespread.

It’s Inevitable That Players Will Choose Where They Get Maximum Money: Salman Butt On Foreign Players Choosing IPL Over PSL

Another issue of contention is that many foreign players in past and most recently have opted to skip on playing in the PSL for a chance to participate in the IPL, which has led to PCB chief Ramiz Raja saying that PSL needs an auction like structure to retain players and keep them from choosing IPL.

37-year-old Salman Butt declared that the IPL is financially the strongest, resulting in their ability to secure any player.

He said: “It is good that you are choosing something excellent to ensure quality. You cannot blame the franchises or persons who are recruiting players that why all the cricketers are not coming. It’s inevitable that players will choose where they get maximum money.

“Cricketers will opt for a league where they are valued the most. Hence, such comparisons are pointless. From the cricketing aspect, our quality is very good.

Given the resources we have, it is one of the best leagues in the world. It is pointless to compare the financial side of any league with the IPL because they are at a different level.

“As a result, they could get anybody. As a result, when players remain careful about their fitness or mental state because they have to perform in the IPL; hence, they have to face it. It is natural for players to think about losing money.”

As of 2021, the Indian Premier League’s brand value was worth over USD 4.7 billion, while in comparison, the PSL is just nearing the USD 300 million mark.

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