PSL franchises reject direct contracts for star players

Franchises deemed the available player list unimpressive as key players are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.

PSL franchises have rejected the proposal for direct contracts with star players, citing an unimpressive list of available cricketers as the reason. The draft is set to take place in the last week of December or early January.

According to details, the scheduling of the triangular series and the Champions Trophy in 2025, apart from the FTP, means that the Pakistan Super League cannot be held during its traditional dates. The PCB has provided a window from April 10 to May 25, and the final dates will be decided from these.

Due to clashes with the IPL, there may be issues regarding the unavailability of key players and a reduction in revenue. Therefore, the board was considering granting franchises the option to sign direct contracts with big players, allowing each team to include 1 to 2 marquee players. However, the franchises have rejected this proposal.

The board had sent a list of players who did not participate in the last IPL and other potentially available cricketers to the owners, but it was not impressive, leading to its disapproval. During a recent online meeting, team owners and representatives informed the PCB of their decision. The Indian cricket board is considering an IPL auction in Saudi Arabia next month, after which the situation will become clearer, and the PSL draft will take place in late December or early January.

The meeting also addressed the English board's strict policy regarding NOCs and its impact on the Pakistani league. PCB COO Salman Nasir stated that they would not comment on media reports and that discussions would take place when the ECB chairman visits Pakistan for the Test matches. The meeting also discussed the window for PSL 11, as India and Sri Lanka will host the ICC T20 World Cup in February and March 2026.

As a result, the dates for the PSL will need to be changed again, with potential scheduling in April or September/October. A PCB official mentioned that they would be able to provide more information after the ICC meeting later this month. The meeting also briefly discussed the initial process of expanding teams in the league, noting that only the PCB chairman could provide further details.