PSL offers big bucks to marquee players due to possible clash with IPL window

• The PCB plans to create a list of 6-12 marquee players.
• The PCB is facing a challenge in attracting top players.
• PSL 10 next year will clash with India's IPL.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is formulating a strategy to attract top-tier players to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, given the potential overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule, according to sources.

Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the February-March window next year, which means the 10th PSL season will be scheduled for April and May.

This proposed timeline could lead to a scheduling conflict with the IPL. Given that these two popular leagues might be happening concurrently, securing the participation of high-profile players could pose a significant challenge for the PCB.

To address this issue, sources informed the local news channel that the PSL management, in collaboration with the franchises, will compile a list of 6 to 12 players who will be assured participants in the league.

“There can be minimum 6 marquee players, they can be 12 and 18 too, but 18 would be too challenging,” a source familiar with the situation stated.

The source further explained that these marquee players won’t be directly signed, but rather, they will be included in the player’s draft in the platinum category, with a guarantee of their availability and selection.

These players will be offered a salary cap of approximately US$ 350,000 to US$ 400,000, which is roughly twice the amount a typical platinum player earns in the PSL.

It’s worth noting that the PCB is also contemplating hosting the playoffs of the PSL season 10 at a venue outside Pakistan.

The proposal identified three potential venues in England for the four pivotal playoff matches. The suggested venues include renowned stadiums such as Manchester, Birmingham, and The Oval in London.

This decision is expected to yield several benefits for the PSL, particularly considering England’s stature as a cricketing superpower and the location of the tournament’s main broadcaster.

England, home to a large number of cricket enthusiasts, including those from Pakistan and India, was chosen as a neutral venue with the intention of drawing a wider audience and increasing the tournament’s international appeal.

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