By Rifat Malik and Haider Abbas

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its landmark 10th edition, set to take place from April 8 to May 19, 2025, across Pakistan. With Salman Naseer at the helm as the new CEO, preparations are already underway, including a player draft scheduled for January 11. However, internal disagreements and challenges in attracting international talent have added complexity to the league’s planning.

The recent IPL mega auction left several international stars unsold, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to target these players for PSL. With big names like David Warner, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Jonny Bairstow reportedly under consideration, PCB’s Manager of Player Acquisition, Munir Khalid, has initiated contact with their agents to secure their participation.

However, the league’s salary cap of $200,000 per player presents a significant obstacle, as it pales compared to the lucrative deals offered in the IPL. PCB officials and franchise owners worry that this disparity might make it difficult to attract top-tier players.

Debate over Direct Player Approaches

To address this issue, PCB is considering a controversial move to allow franchises to directly negotiate with players or their agents. This proposal, previously rejected by franchise owners, has resurfaced but remains contentious. Critics argue that bypassing the draft system could lead to bidding wars, violating salary caps and creating unrest among players under capped contracts.

Pakistani players, who are bound by the $200,000 salary ceiling, may feel disgruntled if international players are offered higher amounts, potentially disrupting team morale.

Franchise Friction over Star Signings

The looming possibility of direct negotiations has worsened conflicts between franchises. Each team is eager to secure marquee players to boost their brand value and on-field performance, but disagreements over player acquisition strategies threaten to undermine the league’s unity.

As the draft date approaches, PCB and franchises are under pressure to resolve these issues and finalize player rosters. While PCB remains optimistic about attracting big names, logistical and financial hurdles must be addressed to ensure the league’s success.