The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have found themselves in the middle of a massive problem. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that owners and the governing body are finding it tough to sign overseas players who went unsold in the IPL auction.
The 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League is all set to clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The two tournaments will be played in the same window. The Pakistan-based League is all set to take place from April 8 to May 19 because of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being played in its window.
The franchise owners are keen to sign some of the big names David Warner, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, and others. However, they are facing challenges in signing these players because of the salary caps of the foreign stars.
USD 200,000 salary cap for PSL players made things challenging for the owners as well as the PCB
The reports claimed that the USD 200,000 salary cap for players made things challenging for the owners as well as the PCB. Both parties are aware that well-known players who were unsold in the IPL wouldn’t sign for less than USD 200,000 to play in the league.
It is learned that some of the franchise owners are hesitant to pay players more than the salary cap of the tournament. Not only this, but they also believe that if a team directly signs a well-known player at a higher salary, it might cause other players, particularly the local ones, to be dissatisfied.
It is also learned that franchises have already contacted agents of those players who were unsold in the IPL. They have enquired about the possible trades, as per the sources, but so far no clarity has come as of yet.
A source claimed that since the draft of the tournament is scheduled on January 11, PSL franchises are running against time to find out how to sign on high-profile players and also ensure a sense of disparity doesn’t develop among players. Speaking to PTI, he explained:
« But the problem is that the players’ draft scheduled on January 11 time is running out to find a formula to sign on high profile players and also ensure a sense of disparity doesn’t develop among players in the PSL, » said a source.
PCB doesn’t want to get involved in negotiations between PSL franchises and overseas players
He also added that PCB CEO Salman Naseer has also suggested franchise owners to talk directly to agents of players. He added that PCB doesn’t want to get involved in negotiations. He explained:
« The PSL’s new CEO, Salman Naseer has even suggested that the franchise owners directly talk to the players’ agents so that the PCB is not involved in negotiations. »
He further added: « Some franchises are also opposing bypassing the draft and insist that all major players should be part of it. »
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