Plan prepared to keep HBL PSL’s image clean

The franchises were found involved in surrogate advertising

KARACHI:

The image of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) clean and transparent. The contracts for the new teams will clearly state that they cannot promote betting, gambling, or any prohibited items, and that surrogate advertising will not be permitted in any form.
In the past, some PSL franchises were found to be involved in surrogate advertising, where betting companies used slightly altered names to promote themselves.
A few years ago, Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan protested against such sponsorships by covering the controversial sponsor’s logo on his shirt with a sticker during a match. Following strict government action, surrogate advertising in the league was halted.
Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing strong preventive measures to ensure that no such attempts are made in the future, keeping the tournament’s image clean.
According to sources, the new franchise agreements will include clauses prohibiting the promotion of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, betting, gambling, or any banned items. They will also be required to avoid advertisements that conflict with government policy, religion, or cultural sensitivities.
Meanwhile, the PCB is making efforts to attract top foreign cricketers to the PSL. Discussions with agents have already begun, and a long-term strategy has been devised. Under this plan, if the annual media rights revenue exceeds 3 billion Pakistani rupees, up to US$500,000 from the surplus will be used to acquire elite international players for the player draft.
Any additional revenue beyond this will be distributed, with 80% going to the PCB and 20% shared equally among all franchises.
The new teams have attracted strong interest not only from within Pakistan but also internationally, and the PCB expects both franchises to be sold for substantial sums in the January 8 auction. The technical bids will open on December 22, which will reveal which parties are eligible to participate in the bidding.
It is worth noting that the 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3, 2026, with matches planned in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, and new proposed venues in Faisalabad and Muzaffarabad.
A final decision regarding venues will be made in the coming days.