As Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces another major challenge: scheduling the next season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This has led to a controversial decision by the PCB, drawing criticism from the cricketing world.
PSL Franchises Eye Unsold IPL Players
Due to scheduling conflicts, PSL franchises are now planning to acquire foreign players who went unsold in the IPL auction. A list of these unsold IPL players has already been prepared.
Potential IPL and PSL Clash
The PSL, traditionally held in February-March, will be rescheduled to March-April next year due to the Champions Trophy. This rescheduling creates a direct clash with the IPL. Since foreign players often prioritize the IPL for its lucrative paychecks, PSL franchises are left with limited options.
To avoid potential disruptions, PSL franchises are focusing on acquiring IPL’s unsold players, ensuring their availability throughout the tournament. This step is also aimed at avoiding past issues where foreign players left PSL mid-season for IPL commitments, affecting the league’s excitement and balance.
High-Profile Unsold Players in IPL
Notable players like David Warner, Kane Williamson, Adil Rashid, Alex Carey, Keshav Maharaj, Shai Hope, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow, and Akeal Hosein went unsold in the IPL auction. The PCB has already approached these players’ managers to gauge their availability for the upcoming PSL season. Their inclusion could significantly enhance the league’s excitement and competitiveness.
PSL Draft Could Be Held in Dubai or London
PSL franchise owners have suggested hosting the player draft in Dubai or London, inspired by the BCCI’s international IPL auction strategies. A global venue for the draft could boost PSL’s international exposure and attract more foreign players.
PCB is reportedly in talks with the players’ managers and cricket boards to ensure their participation in PSL 2025. This move aims to avoid scheduling conflicts and maintain the tournament’s excitement, even with the challenges posed by the IPL overlap.