HBL PSL franchises to receive Rs970 million each

Multan Sultans once again expected to incur a loss

KARACHI:

Each franchise participating in the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is expected to receive approximately Rs 970 million (Rs 97 crore) as their share from the central revenue pool. However, this amount will be subject to deductions for player fees and other operational expenses.

According to details, PSL Season 10 was held this year in April and May, with Lahore Qalandars winning the trophy for the third time. Sources reveal that in a recent Finance Committee meeting, league officials informed franchises that each team is expected to receive around Rs 970 million from the central revenue pool, similar to the earnings from Season 9.

However, this cannot be considered pure profit as it excludes costs such as player salaries, travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Additionally, teams generate revenue through their individual sponsorship deals, and most teams will still end up in profit.

However, Multan Sultans, which pays the highest franchise fee (over Rs 1 billion), is once again expected to incur a loss. Final accounts are still being reviewed, and minor adjustments are possible. The franchise has been waiting for their 50% share, which has been due since July 5.

A major issue for the PCB is the pending recovery of dues from certain stakeholders, which remains unresolved. Some franchises also submitted their final account sheets late, delaying the remaining 30% payment to players. According to the policy, 70% of player payments are made during the tournament, with the remaining 30% paid afterward. The PCB directly handles player payments.

Sources state that after the tournament ends, teams send in their account sheets, specifying how much each player is owed. According to contracts, a player receives 50% of the fee if they miss matches due to injury and 20% if they remain unselected. Some teams, however, do not enforce any deductions. Similarly, some franchises follow a team-wide bonus distribution policy, where awards like Man of the Match are divided equally among all team members. Franchises also offer their own bonuses and awards. Hotel and flight arrangements may also change, making these account sheets crucial for final payments. The board expects to complete all remaining player payments within the next few days.

On the other hand, PSL operations remain sluggish. The newly appointed COO Salman Naseer, currently managing with a two-person team, Salman has been engaged in Asia Cup matters. One of his temporary appointment being made permanent has surprised some franchises. Renowned for his work with players, Manager of Player Acquisition Shoaib Khalid recently resigned, creating further challenges in finding a suitable replacement for handling player contracts.

Ahead of PSL Season 11, several key matters still remain pending, including sponsorship deals, media rights, franchise valuations, fee revisions, and the addition of two new franchises. As of yet, no announcement has been made regarding the new season window.