PCB hopeful of breaking even as Pakistan Super League nears end

Published February 21, 2016
PSL finally kicked off on February 4 after many ups and downs. — Photo courtesy: PSL
PSL finally kicked off on February 4 after many ups and downs. — Photo courtesy: PSL

The inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has already grabbed attention with some nail-biting finishes and capacity crowds in the United Arab Emirates.

Expectations with the league were high and when it kicked off on February 4, followers of the game began comparing it with the likes of Indian Premier League and the Australian Big Bash T20.

Two weeks into the tournament, project director and the mastermind behind the league, Salman Sarwar Butt, revealed how Pakistan’s very own franchise based T20 league has fared so far.

Here is what Butt says about the lucrative league:

  • Total Investment made by both Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the five franchises was around $20 million

  • Some franchises will go close to the break even after the first edition while some will not

  • PCB is very possibly set to break even

Will the PSL be staged in Pakistan? If yes, when?

  • We wished to organise the league in Pakistan, but we have to strictly consider the security situation back home as there is involvement of foreign players and coaches

  • We will definitely take the league back to Pakistan as the security improves with time

  • The next edition will be held in February 2017 in the UAE, but we are considering staging some matches in Pakistan

Can the franchises handle player transfers just like European football leagues? Any new franchise for next season?

  • Franchises have the liberty to totally revamp their teams for next season if they wish to

  • At the moment, all players have signed a one-year contract with their franchises who have an option to extend the contracts for two or three more years or not to renew and eventually release the players

  • Contractually, another franchise can be added to the PSL in the third edition and the fourth franchise can be added in the fourth edition only

PSL, despite being staged away from Pakistan, has attracted houseful crowds in Sharjah and Dubai.

As Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United compete in the eliminator today, seeking a place in the Tuesday’s final against Quetta Gladiators, PSL Chairman Najam Sethi was excited in informing that all tickets for the final showdown have been sold out.

Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Regional engagement
Updated 13 May, 2025

Regional engagement

If terrorist groups continue to find sanctuary in Afghanistan, regional integration and increased trade will be difficult to achieve.
Hostages to hostility
13 May, 2025

Hostages to hostility

AS people breathe a sigh of relief after being locked with India in a hair-trigger stand-off, there are those for...
Water crisis
13 May, 2025

Water crisis

IN large parts of Karachi, there is no water to be had. The taps have run dry for the past 12 days, bowsers have ...
The way forward
Updated 12 May, 2025

The way forward

An out-of-the-box solution acceptable to Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris is the only hope for long-term peace in South Asia.
AI opportunity
12 May, 2025

AI opportunity

TIME is running out. According to the latest Human Development Report, published by the UNDP this past Tuesday,...
Ace mountaineer
12 May, 2025

Ace mountaineer

NINE summits, five to go. Sajid Ali Sadpara’s quest to fulfil his late father’s dream and elevate Pakistan’s...