PCB - Opportunity to re-schedule PSL

[Extra_Cover]

So I was looking through the IPL auction thread today and it caught my eye the "unsold" players at the auction. The abundance of talent in there who effectively would not be playing cricket during those 2 months of IPL presents a very good opportunity / window for PCB to reschedule PSL and host is simultaneously to the running of IPL. I understand this is not straightforward as there are plenty of considerations that goes into ensuring that this PSL venture is successful both from cricket aspect as well as a business venture point of view. So I wanted to discuss and see the ideas that peers have onboard for rescheduling PSL. I have identified the key discussion points on this topic.

Security situation of Pakistan
It is absolutely critical for PCB and Pakistan's sake that the upcoming tours of Australia, England and NZ in 2022 goes through without a glitch. It would be a massive breakthrough year and potentially the biggest challenge for PCB. Once the tours can be done and the perception of Pakistan as a venue can be reset in minds of the people we then have this issue past us and can build in arranging a tournament without security concerns.

Window for hosting cricket without concerns
This goes without saying that given BCCI clout there would be lack of cricket happening during the time IPL is held. This gives PCB the best of opportunities to utilise this window in hosting their PSL. PSL usually takes 3-4 weeks while IPL will be going on for 2 months so PSL can basically run simultaneously to IPL. The biggest advantage in here would be of the available foreign players. I'm quite certain any cricketer would rather play cricket and make some money in the 2 month window rather than stay idle hence PCB can attract decent talent who would be available for full length of the tournament.

Available foreign players for PSL
Clearly this is something that caught my eye. I can see the likes of Morgan, Finch, Neesham, Smith, Ngidi, etc going unsold at the IPL auction. The quality of this unsold bunch is far superior to what we have currently in PSL and can be huge boost for the tournament. Even can be a boost for our young players who would get a chance to play with likes of Morgan, Finch, etc. If the players are content with the security situation and aren't selected for IPL then I'm quite sure that they would be happy to partake in PSL as it would be a win win situation for both players and PCB.

Viewership and broadcasting of PSL running simultaneously with IPL
This is the area of concern that would be difficult to mitigate. But before we discuss this its important to understand that these tournaments are made largely for local consumption. Therefore, if IPL is also going on at same time as PSL then local viewership from Pakistan is likely to fall from 100% to 85% or so which would be bearable drop. However, whatever international viewership PSL is currently pulling would drop quite significantly if its running at same time as IPL. Therefore, PCB would have to do the math in here and understand how important the international viewership is for PSL's finances if not very significant then perhaps this is an idea PCB can explore. Another massive challenge would be international broadcast deals. Clearly someone like Sky Sports would telecast IPL at this time rather than PSL so finding international broadcasters at decent rates would be something PCB should work to determine maybe engaging BT Sports to rival Sky would not be a bad option. Also perhaps ATV can become an international channel with broadcast in Middle East to resolve more of this issue. Finance are the biggest hurdle and if PCB can determine we can overcome this then it would be great opportunity to explore further.

Unforseen circumstances
We do not know how BCCI would react to this idea. So let's say if BCCI decide from next year onwards Pakistani players would be eligible for IPL then clearly this idea goes down in drain as most Pakistani players would prefer IPL riches so PCB should think over the contingency plan in here should things change. Similarly next year would be election year in Pakistan so maybe it would be better that Pakistan if they are going to down this route than can do so from 2024 onwards.

I believe there are a lot of things going for PCB to reschedule PSL during IPL window. Yes there is a possibility that the money from PSL broadcast deals would take a hit but with better players involved we can recoup this money from within Pakistan itself. Its very important to remember the real money maker that PSL is largely due to local consumption in Pakistan and that would largely stay unaffected with IPL happening at same time. If PCB can pull together good foreign players and hold matches in 4-5 venues in Pakistan with good marketing then it would be a brilliant idea. Pakistan being barred from IPL could be the best thing that could have happened to Pakistan cricket.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

So, lose the likes of Livingston, Roy, Hales, Rashid and Tim David for the likes of Morgan, Smith and Ngidi.

Thanks, but no thanks.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

The overseas quota in IPL is 8 players pr. franchise. This is 80 player for the 10 teams.

So top 80 players goes to IPL and PSL get's what's left over?

IPL can very well increase the quota of overseas players as well. What then?

 

[Extra_Cover]

The overseas quota in IPL is 8 players pr. franchise. This is 80 player for the 10 teams.

So top 80 players goes to IPL and PSL get's what's left over?

IPL can very well increase the quota of overseas players as well. What then?

That is my concern as well. IPL can retain a lot of players on coaching/mentoring bench as well which would not work well for PCB. This is a fight unfortunately PCB cannot win so if there is not a decent pool of foreign players available we should not look to reschedule. In an ideal world we would be looking at something like a football league system with players being retained by clubs but given BCCI clout in here that world is unlikely to happen.

 

[Civil]

Yaar we have a good mix of foreign players as it is and they don't seem like prima donnas. I also don't want entitled stars who feel offended at IPL auction to come in to PSL only for the money.

The cricket has been entertaining this year. PSL is a pretty good product. We will probably get a few more teams and one day all teams will hopefully play in their own stadiums. more than that what do we need to tinker.

 

[Extra_Cover]

Yaar we have a good mix of foreign players as it is and they don't seem like prima donnas. I also don't want entitled stars who feel offended at IPL auction to come in to PSL only for the money.

The cricket has been entertaining this year. PSL is a pretty good product. We will probably get a few more teams and one day all teams will hopefully play in their own stadiums. more than that what do we need to tinker.

Fair enough, I just thought it would be a good opportunity for PCB to conduct full PSL in Pakistan with an international window not being an issue but I guess I do agree what we have now in terms of foreign players we might lose that as well by holding it at the same time.

 

[Major]

Not a bad idea by the op. I like the thinking behind it.

Take out the 80 players, you still have alot of players left as its a window of no cricketer taking place.

For example, someone like steve smith didnt get picked.

This is a proposal that should be forwarded to rameez raja.

Currently the top foreing player we have got are just barely 10 players i guess, this can give us about 20plus atleast.

The only issue is there could be players who would want to sit out and act as replacements for one of the foreign injuries.

But the plan is good. Top post brother

 

[Major]

This is would be direct competation with ipl aswell and who knows, those discriminating indians might even allows pakistanis to play, so winwin for us.

Waiting for indians to hijack this thread with their might bcci threats now

Currently the top foreing players we have are, liam livingstone, roy, vince, hales, munro, rashid, noor ahmed, raeemullah gurbaz, imran tahir, muzrabani, willey, wiese, tim david, hazratullah, merchent de lange.

Not the top names... Yes we got few english stars but still taking advantage of the ipl window can let us get big international names.

Once again op i have to applaud your thinking. Good analysis man. Potw stuff

 

[Extra_Cover]

This is would be direct competation with ipl aswell and who knows, those discriminating indians might even allows pakistanis to play, so winwin for us.

Waiting for indians to hijack this thread with their might bcci threats now

Currently the top foreing players we have are, liam livingstone, roy, vince, hales, munro, rashid, noor ahmed, raeemullah gurbaz, imran tahir, muzrabani, willey, wiese, tim david, hazratullah, merchent de lange.

Not the top names... Yes we got few english stars but still taking advantage of the ipl window can let us get big international names.

Once again op i have to applaud your thinking. Good analysis man. Potw stuff

Thanks brother. The only thing that caught the eye were the following names. These are enough names for PSL to be conducted to be honest.
15) David Miller - Unsold
18) Steve Smith - Unsold
22) Shakib Al Hasan - Unsold
29) Mohammad Nabi - Unsold
30) Matthew Wade - Unsold
36) Sam Billings - Unsold
48) Adil Rasheed - Unsold
49) Mujeeb Zadran - Unsold
50) Imran Tahir - Unsold
52) Adam Zampa - Unsold
100) Dawid Malan - Unsold
102) Marnus Labuschagne - Unsold
104) Eoin Morgan - Unsold
105) Aaron Finch - Unsold
109) James Neesham - Unsold
120) Lungi Ngidi - Unsold
124) Sheldon Cottrell - Unsold
128) Tabraiz Shamsi - Unsold
129) Qais Ahmad - Unsold
133) Ish Sodhi - Unsold
164) Alex Hales - Unsold
165) Evin Lewis - Unsold
169) Rassie van der Dussen - Unsold
170) Charith Asalanka - Unsold
178) Rahmanullah Gurbaz - Unsold
180) Glenn Phillips - Unsold
185) Obed McCoy - Unsold
189) Andrew Tye - Unsold
192) Tom Kohler-Cadmore - Unsold
209) Ben Dwarshuis - Unsold

 

[Savak]

Ramiz has mentioned that he wants to seek a summer window for the PSL somewhere around June to September to avoid the intense competition it faces from the BBL, BPL, Emirates T20 League, IPL.

If the PCB and the PSL does not have the financials to compete immediately then it has to take the league to a window where the competition will be less

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The problem going against the IPL is that yes you may get good players that have not got IPL contact but it will become difficult to hang onto upcoming talent.

Let's use Tim David as an example. At the outset of his career, hypothetically if the IPL and PSL were going side by side he wouldn't have got picked for IPL and the PSL would have him.

In the following year, after a stellar start to franchise cricket its quite likey he would be picked in the IPL over the PSL. Even the top performers like Jason Roy would pick IPL if there was a clash.

The list you have provided in the list above is a good list and indeed some of the players are better than PSL players but in almost instances they are not T20 players ( e.g smith, Nigidi), or are over the hill ( e.g Morgan or Andrew Tye).

At max most of the players named above have 1-2 years of top-level T20 cricket left in them. That poses a massive headache for franchises and building a brand because there is little continuity.

From a marketing POV its better to have a Ben Dunk for 5 years than a player for 1 year who then either retires or goes to the IPL.

We need to find a window where we can pack the league with more Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan players AND allow players to put them selves in the shop window for an IPL contract.

 

[Savak]

Given the BCCI and IPL clout, it is best advised not to **** them off by directly challenging to compete against them. They can very well tell the Foreign players and coaches and Commentators in the IPL that if you want to play, coach, commentate in the IPL then you will have to agree to have nothing to do with the PSL and then the PSL will be screwed.

I think what Ramiz is planning ie to shift the PSL Window from Feb March to June to September ie after the IPL is a step in the right direction. Play all the games in Pakistan in the evening and to take the league to places like Muzaffarabad, Gilgit Baltistan, Swat, Peshawar, Quetta, Gwadar and reduce the number of games in Khi, Lahore.

As the PSL economics get strong, gets hosted successfully in Pakistan many times, the franchises get stronger and the PCB successfully proves PSL to be the number two league in the world. It will have its own unique identity and window

 

[Major]

The problem going against the IPL is that yes you may get good players that have not got IPL contact but it will become difficult to hang onto upcoming talent.

Let's use Tim David as an example. At the outset of his career, hypothetically if the IPL and PSL were going side by side he wouldn't have got picked for IPL and the PSL would have him.

In the following year, after a stellar start to franchise cricket its quite likey he would be picked in the IPL over the PSL. Even the top performers like Jason Roy would pick IPL if there was a clash.

The list you have provided in the list above is a good list and indeed some of the players are better than PSL players but in almost instances they are not T20 players ( e.g smith, Nigidi), or are over the hill ( e.g Morgan or Andrew Tye).

At max most of the players named above have 1-2 years of top-level T20 cricket left in them. That poses a massive headache for franchises and building a brand because there is little continuity.

From a marketing POV its better to have a Ben Dunk for 5 years than a player for 1 year who then either retires or goes to the IPL.

We need to find a window where we can pack the league with more Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan players AND allow players to put them selves in the shop window for an IPL contract.

From a marketing pov, you are absolutely correct and that could be the main factor why PSL and IPL might not run side by side.

 

[Major]

Given the BCCI and IPL clout, it is best advised not to **** them off by directly challenging to compete against them. They can very well tell the Foreign players and coaches and Commentators in the IPL that if you want to play, coach, commentate in the IPL then you will have to agree to have nothing to do with the PSL and then the PSL will be screwed.

I think what Ramiz is planning ie to shift the PSL Window from Feb March to June to September ie after the IPL is a step in the right direction. Play all the games in Pakistan in the evening and to take the league to places like Muzaffarabad, Gilgit Baltistan, Swat, Peshawar, Quetta, Gwadar and reduce the number of games in Khi, Lahore.

As the PSL economics get strong, gets hosted successfully in Pakistan many times, the franchises get stronger and the PCB successfully proves PSL to be the number two league in the world. It will have its own unique identity and window

not even possible, June to September is the worst time to play cricket in Pakistan. Too damn hot even at nights

 

[Savak]

not even possible, June to September is the worst time to play cricket in Pakistan. Too damn hot even at nights

The PCB has held the Pakistan ODI Cup and the Domestic T-20 tournaments in Pakistan during those months in the past. Why can the PSL not be held in Pakistan during those months? In my experience the weather becomes bearable in Pakistan at night and Ramiz is eyeing taking the league up north.

 

[Major]

The PCB has held the Pakistan ODI Cup and the Domestic T-20 tournaments in Pakistan during those months in the past. Why can the PSL not be held in Pakistan during those months? In my experience the weather becomes bearable in Pakistan at night and Ramiz is eyeing taking the league up north.

lol no it does not..

PCB has such schdules because they are dumb. From May to August the weather is terrible and unbearable. Even september is quite hot. I am telling this with regards to outdoor sports.

Pakistani players will be forced to play, foreing players arnt going to come.

Weather is bearable indoors with AC. Outdoors there is humidity. And Karachi is much hotter than Lahore.

Matches arn't going to happen in the Northern side as i have already discussed that.

 

[Savak]

lol no it does not..

PCB has such schdules because they are dumb. From May to August the weather is terrible and unbearable. Even september is quite hot. I am telling this with regards to outdoor sports.

Pakistani players will be forced to play, foreing players arnt going to come.

Weather is bearable indoors with AC. Outdoors there is humidity. And Karachi is much hotter than Lahore.

Matches arn't going to happen in the Northern side as i have already discussed that.

I am glad Ramiz Raja is a forward thinking individual in charge of these decisions. You should stick to being an eternal pessimist like the person in your DP.

 

[trickyone]

It's seem like someone just said what MMHS has been saying for last 5 years...

 

[Savak]

It's seem like someone just said what MMHS has been saying for last 5 years...

The PCB lost the likes of Faf Dupllesis, Chris Gayle, Andre Russel, Sunil Narine, Moen Ali, Naveen Haq and co to the BPL. They will not dare to compete against the IPL.

 

[Major]

I am glad Ramiz Raja is a forward thinking individual in charge of these decisions. You should stick to being an eternal pessimist like the person in your DP.

im telling you the reality... I understand you dont live here thus whatever gets told on the TV you will likely believe it.

Having a PSL in June July in Pakistan lol. If you want to be conned by fake promises than be my guest.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

im telling you the reality... I understand you dont live here thus whatever gets told on the TV you will likely believe it.

Having a PSL in June July in Pakistan lol. If you want to be conned by fake promises than be my guest.

Is October to November a suitable window or weather is still too hot?

 

[arif_2021]

I think cricket in summer evenings is a great idea.
It’s off season for international cricket and it will encourage players to stay in shape and work hard.
At the end of the day this only a 2 month - at most 15 match league. It’s not going to cause an increase in work-load.

Also it may encourage more participation from younger generation of summers are off for vacation.

 

[Savak]

Is October to November a suitable window or weather is still too hot?

PCB has held its domestic tournaments in that window before. Please don't let a person who is bitter and who feels "Pakistan Cricket sucks, Pakistan Cricket can go to hell and is not worth following" because Misbah ul Haq got kicked out brutally on his backside from any future roles in the PCB, feel otherwise.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is never going to happen. Nor should it. I want to see the entire season in one go. Not in parts like we got during COVID. It completely kills the fever and anticipation that average people have and is a logistical nightmare for the PCB.

PSL is not a league that has to have the very best overseas talent. That has never been the case. And neither can we be in an IPL-like situation where we will have all the best overseas players dying to play our league.

So I'd rather take those ware willing to be a part of this league voluntarily rather than IPL leftovers who have are left with no choice. Because players like that you can't even retain. Because you don't know if they will get an IPL contract next season or not

 

[mazkhan]

I'd rather pcb go on talent hunts and get unknown players emerging talents from abroad tim david is a good example , also give more chance to emerging players in pakistan.

Also we need to stop getting these journeymen players ,yesterday's hasbeens and cast offs they bring nothing to the table , also the franchises need to get rid of some of the ex senior pakistan players who are getting on a bit

The psl can never compete with ipl

I'd rather it be a tournament for young players to showcase themselves announce themselves to the world and further their careers and use it as a stepping stone towards better things a bit like the football academies In Netherlands like ajax.

 

[mon858]

No. I think we are fine as is. No need to go head to head with IPL. If you try that it may evoke some more strange response.

We have enough good players in like of Roy Vince hales Jordan Rashid Tim David, Livingstone, etc.

And we also tend to get some future stats that make their name in PSL and could continue with PSL even in future if they enjoy their experience and it's not clashing with IPL.

Let IPL face its own challenges, it's becoming longer and may lose some attraction due to that and some teams like England Australia may limit some of their test player participation as well if they see more losses or injuries in future.

Also summer cricket is not viable for Pakistan playing only in evenings means much longer tournament. You need to realize logistics is still costly and even post covid pakistan hosting may continue to seem more like a bubble type of scenario. Not practical over very long period. Also we get most participation and top players from England, and England often has summer tours and series along with their own domestic stuff so we may lost many of those participants and audience.

I think overall things are fine as is. Continue to optimize and innovate what we have.

Maybe add a 50 over PSL in year of or year before 50 over world cup as a side idea even if Two pools or single league.

An under 19 psl or under 23 psl etc.

Perhaps some of those can be alongside ipl but keep the main tournament close to what it is and no need to make it go head to head with IPL.

 

[mon858]

Also playing only in Northern areas is not feasible either, currently only Pindi may offer some viability. No other big stadium along with logistics, airport, hotels, etc in northern areas. Peshawar not feasible for long duration, one off odi or t20 can be held on some tour first if tea s agree.

Maybe try something with alternative ideas like under 23 psl in summer that can be hosted just in North and offer as platform for our own and intl young stars to be selected in PSL etc.

 

[gazza619]

This is not a good idea. We are forgetting that PSL will loose global audience including the Indian audience. A risk not worth taking. Lets not try to get ahead of ourselves.

I am satisfied with the overseas talent that is currently playing in the PSL.

 

[RajBan]

Worth exploring such options. What if in 3-4 years, BCCI advances IPL by 2-3 weeks from March first week with 12 teams. It's better to be proactive . Maybe they can try one season and see how it goes, if it does not work change it back the next year.

 

[Major]

Is October to November a suitable window or weather is still too hot?

Yup, october November is best the weather is good. December not possible due to fog and smog in punjab