‘Bonus’ payments to PSL franchises under scrutiny

$1.3 million were awarded to all five franchises after the first edition

KARACHI: The Auditor General of Pakistan has objected over the bonus payments made to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises after the first edition.

The audit for the first and second edition of the PSL was held few months ago and its initial report has already been published in Daily Express but now more elaborated details have surfaced.

According to sources, the audit showed that all five PSL franchises of the first season were given $1.3 million even though there was no clause about such payment in the contract between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the franchises.

The sources further stated that an email from a PSL official had ensured the teams of the payments as compensation in case the franchises did not make profits. However, the commitment was not expressly mentioned in the contracts. Hence, the audit objection pointed out this gross violation of the PSL contracts signed with the franchises.

The audit report has also pointed out several other irregularities which are a cause of concern for the new PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.

Mani, therefore, has decided to personally monitor the PSL affairs after which the board will formally appoint a managing director for the league.

The new chairman was also told that some of the board officials were involved in suspicious activities.

Despite all the ongoing investigations within the PCB, the chairman has assured all officers that no one will be subjected to unfair treatment.