The implementation of the new model of the PSL has created new problems for the Pakistan Cricket Board. In 2020, the franchises had filed a case against the PCB as they were incurring a loss while PCB was reaping the benefits of the Super League. However, in an out-of-court settlement, it was decided that a new model would be put in place.
In September 2020, the six PSL franchises had filed a case against the PCB in the Lahore High Court. They stated that the PCB were reaping all the benefits from the PSL with the existing financial model, and the franchises themselves incurred heavy losses.
Hence, the PCB and the franchises agreed to settle the matter out-of-court in order to deliberate and discuss the grey areas of the current financial model of the PSL. The board also roped in the services of a retired Supreme Court judge to help them with the execution of the new financial model.
EY Ford Rhodes, a business consulting company, signed a contract with the PCB. They will evaluate and analyse the financial records of the franchises and document it in the form of a report. The judge will review these reports, who will then advise PCB the next set of steps to be taken with the new financial model. In the end, the new financial model will be implemented if the franchises agree with the judge’s proposals.
But the implementation of the new financial model will come with quite a few challenges for the PCB. Even if there is a change in the regime at the PCB or the government level, the PCB will want to ensure that they don’t run into issues with the National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency.
There are reports that suggest that certain individuals may be considering taking legal action against the board if a new financial model comes into play. The PCB declined to make a comment on it.
The seventh edition of the PSL is scheduled to take place in January-February of 2022. It was preponed to avoid any clash with the Indian Premier League. Usually, the PSL takes place in February-March, but with Australia scheduled to tour Pakistan during that time, the PSL was preponed.
