The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to hold the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) simultaneously with IPL 2025.
In a recent development, Pakistan Super League franchises reportedly rejected a proposal that would allow them to directly sign marquee players.
Due to the ICC Champions Trophy and other international commitments in Pakistan, the upcoming Pakistan Super League cannot take place during its usual timeframe of February-March.
The tournament is also facing challenges regarding the availability of star players, as their schedules conflict with the IPL.
The PCB has proposed a potential window for the PSL 2025 season from April 10 to May 25, with final dates expected to be confirmed soon.
The cricket board is contemplating allowing PSL franchises to negotiate directly with star players, with each team permitted to sign one or two marquee players.
Sports journalist Saleem Khaliq noted that the PSL franchises rejected the proposal for direct player signings, stating that doing so would diminish the pool of star cricketers. He mentioned that discussions regarding the participation of English players would occur with the ECB chief during their upcoming tour of Pakistan.
“PSL franchises have rejected the proposal for direct signings with star players due to the unappealing list of available cricketers. The draft will now be held in the last week of December or early January. Discussions regarding the participation of English cricketers will take place with the ECB chief during their tour of Pakistan,” Saleem Khaliq stated on X (formerly Twitter).
According to a report by the Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is taking measures to prevent players from participating in franchise leagues due to concerns about talent loss during the domestic season. The ECB may restrict domestic players from joining overseas leagues, except for the IPL.
Khaliq also mentioned that there was a discussion about scheduling for Season 11 during the PSL meeting. He pointed out that the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in February and March 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka, would necessitate another adjustment of PSL dates.
“In the PSL meeting, there was also discussion about the window for Season 11. India and Sri Lanka are set to host the ICC T20 World Cup in February and March 2026, which means PSL dates will have to be adjusted once again,” Khaliq wrote.
Franchises recently conveyed their concerns about the PSL schedule via email, but the PCB stated that the decision was made collaboratively with the teams. The franchises countered that they were not given an option, initially being informed that the PSL would take place in October or November, which was later denied.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
