• PSL 9 TV rights drama delayed the tournament start.
• Dispute arose despite 60% technical & 40% financial evaluation.
• All 3 bidders appealed after disqualifications.

The ninth edition of PSL is set to commence in Lahore on February 17, 2024.

Details reveal that the granting of TV production rights was significantly delayed, leading to a dispute. The evaluation was based on 60% technical marks and the remaining on the financial bid. The company that held the broadcast rights in the technical bid was disqualified, leaving only two companies in contention.

Interestingly, all three companies expressed mistrust in the marking process and appealed to the Grievance committee. The issue was amicably resolved by Acting Chairman PCB Shah Khawar. Following the hearing, the scores of all parties were increased, and the disqualified company was also included in the competition.

Later on, preference was given to the company that ranked second in the financial bid over the one with the lowest amount. Consequently, despite being the initially qualified company, the one with the lowest bid fell behind. This led to an increase in the production cost by nearly Rs. 50 million. The production cost for this year will be Rs. 1.15 billion, and next year’s amount will be Rs. 1.21 billion. 95% of this will be borne by the franchises.

Sources disclosed that there were initial objections from both parties regarding the bidding process, and both lodged complaints with the committee. The top company also questioned the oversight of Director Commercial Babar Hamid’s bid committee.

On the flip side, PCB asserts that the agreed procedure was adhered to, and the overall marks of technical and financial aspects were taken into account. It’s worth noting that last year’s PSL production cost was Rs. 1.169 billion, with 95% paid by franchises and 5% by PCB.

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