Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja is keen to make some changes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) model. Raja said that currently there are only two ways through which Pakistan’s cricket economy is sustaining. One is from the ICC funds and the second is PSL.
Following the trend of the IPL and the BBL, Pakistan launched its own franchise-based competition named the PSL. Initially, there were five franchises in the league. Now, the number has increased to six. The six teams that played in PSL 2022 were Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.
PSL 2022 attracted massive crowds in Pakistan. The viewership also increased. Some fans said that even the quality of cricket has improved. However, the league is still not near to the IPL in terms of brand value and viewership. One of the main reasons behind it is that PSL does not feature the marquee overseas names.
Most players from Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand do not participate in the PSL. Even the big names from West Indies did not play in PSL 2022. Commenting on how the brand of PSL can grow, Ramiz Raja told ESPNCricinfo:
“This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I’ll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we’ll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL.”
Ramiz Raja wants an auction in Pakistan Super League next year
Ramiz Raja further added that many players from overseas nations will become available to play if there is an auction system instead of a player draft.
Raja concluded by saying that they will bring the home-away system back for PSL matches last year. He mentioned that PSL Auction 2023 was at the top of his wish list.
