Overseas stars refuse to play entire PSL in Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hopes of hosting an entire edition of the Pakistan Super League in their own country has taken a big blow after some overseas cricketers refused to stay in Pakistan for a long period of time. Due to security reasons, the first season was played entirely in the United Arab Emirates. But with the passage of time, the condition improved and the PCB started hosting a part of the competition in Pakistan.

Consequently, the PCB managed to host the finals of the last three editions in Pakistan. In fact, the last eight matches of the last edition earlier this year, including the playoffs and title clash were held in Lahore and Karachi. The successful staging of the games in Pakistan raised PCB’s hopes, encouraging them to host the entire competition in Pakistan. However, it looks very much unlikely at the moment due to the reluctance of the overseas players to stay in Pakistan for a longer time.

As per a report in Cricket Pakistan, franchises want to hold half-season of next year’s PSL in the United Arab Emirates as they think that holding the entire tournament in Pakistan is not feasible at the moment. PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, however, recently insisted that there are no concerns regarding hosting the entire PSL in Pakistan.

“I took the approval of PCB’s Patron-in-Chief regarding holding entire HBL PSL in Pakistan, after consulting with all the franchise owners,” said Mani. “I have invited team owners for a meeting next week on Monday in Lahore, where this matter would be discussed again.”

“Till now, no franchise has shown any reservations, so there is no possibility of shifting the matches anywhere else,” he added.

Mani on the fate of Multan Sultans

Mani also spoke on the instance of PCB over allowing the Multan Sultans to participate in the fourth season of PSL without depositing franchise fee.

“Multan Sultans were not given any preferential treatment with regards to their agreement with the Board,” he said. “Sultans are in compliance of their franchise agreement.” Well, the PCB does need to resolve some financial issues with its six franchises. The franchises are reluctant to give bank guarantees for the fifth edition. In addition, they are also demanding a bigger share in the earnings from broadcast, title and other sponsorship revenues.