PSL postponed for indefinite period

PCB cites scheduling, NOC, conflicting dates as impediments.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the postponement of the over-hyped Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 event for an indefinite period of time, stating various reasons for the delay which included tight scheduling, No-Objection Certificate (NOC) issues and conflicting dates.

Many questions had been raised ever since the idea of the PSL was officially unveiled, but the PCB had remained confident throughout the course about being able to stage a spectacular event with star players taking centre stage — however, this notice of the delay has not been seen as an encouraging sign.

“Since the time we have announced the PSL, the response from sponsors, broadcasters, potential franchises and players has been overwhelming,” said PSL managing director Salman Sarwar Butt.

“Over 80 foreign players have already signed agreements with the PSL. As many as 15 potential franchise buyers, 10 top broadcasters and various potential sponsors from large business houses have collected the bid documents and shown keen interest in acquiring respective rights. However, there are several other investors who would like us to give them more time.”

The statement from the board expressed that the PCB and the PSL management came to a few conclusions after thoughtful deliberations with stakeholders.

“The concerns expressed by the stakeholders on tight timelines for submission of bids and leveraging of assets hold merit. While a lot of progress has already been made in getting tax exemption for the PSL (broadcasters, franchise, players, investors) from the government, it seems that the finalisation of this approval would take some more time.

“Over 80 foreign players (and growing) have already signed to participate in the PSL auction, but the process of NOCs from the relevant boards is still underway and will take some time. Due to scheduling conflict that could lead to some star players to miss out, and hence we are rescheduling the event  to accommodate them in the league as well.”

Did not believe in its reality: Latif

Former captain Rashid Latif said that he never believed the PSL would become a reality as the amount of money involved in the purchase of franchises was enormous.

“They were looking to sell a franchise for $20 million each while claiming to pay players heavily which my mind never accepted,” Latif told The Express Tribune.“It was always a big question mark about the possibility of top players turning up so no party would have liked to splash several million dollars on a mediocre name.”

Meanwhile, another ex-cricketer Jalaluddin lamented that it was yet another case of poor planning on the part of PCB who were determined to start the PSL at all costs while neglecting factors which were against them and thus dealing with the consequences.

“It’s a clear case of poor planning as the PCB should have done their homework properly to know how much time would be needed in the complete sale of franchises and the dates which would have been perfect for it,” said Jalaluddin.

Rashid Latif



“They were looking to sell a franchise for $20m each while claiming to pay players heavily which my mind never accepted. The possibility of top players turning up was always doubtful.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2013.