The PSL journey to 200 crores

The eight-team tournament is set to begin in March

KARACHI:

Many years ago, one of my former bosses came to the office and shared an amusing story that still makes me laugh whenever I recall it.

One day, he was on his way to the office when the bus he was riding was stopped by traffic police. Since he was getting late, he decided to step out and try to resolve the issue himself. He called a senior officer, who instructed the traffic warden to let the bus go. While he was still on the call, the bus drove away leaving him behind. He had to take a rickshaw to the office.

The lesson — never try to board a moving bus is something our elders often advised, but sometimes even elders make mistakes. A similar thing happened recently when Najam Sethi tweeted about a former cricketer’s issue, perhaps without knowing all the details. Later, the player’s matter was resolved, but Sethi’s unnecessary involvement strained his relations with the current PCB management.

Leaving that aside, the main point is: if the Pakistan Super League (PSL) exists today, a large share of the credit goes to Najam Sethi. He worked tirelessly to launch it. A decade ago, when it came time to sell team franchises, people like Atif Rana, Sameen Rana, Javed Afridi, Nadeem Omar, Salman Iqbal, and Ali Naqvi stepped forward.

At that time, no one knew whether the league would succeed, what the TV rights would fetch, or whether foreign players would come but despite the uncertainty, these people took the risk. Sethi had to go through great struggles to make it happen. No one even wanted to buy the Quetta Gladiators franchise then. Honestly, I myself told someone that the venture might not prove commercially viable but I was wrong. And I say that with pride, not regret, because a Pakistani project succeeded spectacularly.

The teams that started for a few crores are now worth billions. Thanks to the PSL, boys who once relied on pocket money from their fathers are now earning in crores. Their lifestyles have transformed they see themselves as superstars. PCB’s marketing and other staff have also prospered; some have even built farmhouses and moved on. Many made big money when the league was hosted in Dubai. Stakeholders and investors profited, too. Even today, people organize tours under the PSL name.

After completing ten successful years, two new teams are now joining the league. There was a time when Najam Sethi struggled to find just five investors now ten parties are ready to invest billions. Fortunately, the PCB is currently led by Mohsin Naqvi, a strong and determined individual who is making continuous, tireless efforts for the betterment of cricket.

Just as our army defeated India on the battlefield, Mohsin Naqvi has shattered Indian arrogance in cricket. He is working to take PSL to new heights. Because of his efforts, not only Pakistani but also international investors are showing interest in buying teams.

Ali Tareen, due to his ego, lost ownership of Multan Sultans a decision he may one day regret (or perhaps already does). Though he is participating in the new team bidding process, logically, he may not place a very high bid. Other existing owners, though not entirely happy with the franchise evaluation and increased fees, have signed the new agreements without interviews or controversial tweets. The PCB should value such people, invite them to promotional activities , and give them recognition.

These franchise owners bore losses for years before finally earning profits they deserve respect. In good times, everyone shows up, but those who stood by during tough times should not be forgotten. Najam Sethi should also be invited to PSL events; after years, I see the league generating huge excitement again, and much of that credit goes to Mohsin Naqvi, who can take it even higher.

Although he has separated PSL’s operations, Salman Naseer has struggled to form an effective team. If Usman Wahla hadn’t gotten tangled in the “handshake” controversy, he might have continued handling international cricket matters instead of Psl. Big media rights and sponsorship deals are now on the horizon, especially with two new teams joining increasing the need to enhance PSL’s commercial value and hire some good people in commercial department.

The selection of new owners must be done carefully the league’s reputation depends on it. The teams should go into responsible hands. Twice, Multan Sultans changed owners due to payment issues, so it’s crucial to ensure that new buyers aren’t just driven by passion and don’t start complaining a year later.

To make the PSL even bigger, new venues must be added across Pakistan, major sponsors attracted, star players brought in, and commercial value boosted these are the responsibilities of all PCB officials, not just Mohsin Naqvi. Everyone must commit that over the next ten years, they will take PSL to even greater heights.

The initial bids haven’t yet been revealed, but how wonderful it would be if, on auction day, the host declares:

“200 crores once! 200 crores twice! 200 crores thrice! Sold — the team is yours!”

Let’s see what happens but the signs are clearly promising.