PCB should take action against these PSL Franchise Owners for this debacle

[Savak]

I frankly hold these PSL Franchise owners who are coming out in the media and making public statements against the PCB blaming them for this Fiasco. Was it not Javed Afridi who threatened to boycott the opening PSL games if the likes of Wahab, Sammy were not exempted from isolation requirements?

I have seen videos of Salman Iqbal openly going to the players hotel rooms, lunch and dinner areas mingling with the players, coaches, i doubt he was part of the biosecure bubble, how can he chastize the PCB in public when he himself did not practice what he preached.

It is pretty clear that it was these PSL Franchise owners who put pressure on the PCB to give in to their demands, to let their families, friends, chearleaders come to the hotel, stadium, get access to the players, coaches and now the end result is in front of us. And they have the gall to blame the PCB for this fiasco rather than take any personal responsibility themselves.

The PCB and Health professionals gave the players, Franchise guidelines. The PCB cannot police everyone 24/7. Maybe the PCB should now seriously consider taking action and even taking back teams from owners who behaved extremely unprofessionally during this entire Saga.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Take action against the very people that are filling PCB's coffers. Good luck with that.

 

[MenInG]

You dont kill the golden goose principle.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I dont think you can take action against the owners. However they should be informed in private that their actions were the reason for the PSL to be postponed, so they can learn from this, and something like this never happens again.

 

[OMB]

Not gonna happen

 

[Hasan123]

Lol OP is hilarious. Comes up with all these professional solutions as if PCB is know for being professional and intelligent.

Nothing will happen to the franchise owners.

 

[RickyG]

What a tremendously idiotic thread. Take action for what? PCB allowed all of this to happen. Nothing took place behind the board's back.

PCB is more at fault than anyone else. They gave permission to the franchises to do as they please. They didn't form a secure enough bubble. They had stupid gimmicky stuff that could expose risk for the players.

Absolutely idiotic management and organization. I really like Wasim Khan but this should cause some heads to roll. And if this took place in front of him (I can't imagine it wouldn't have) then his head should definitely roll.

 

[LeedsGreen]

unfortunately these franchise owners have all the power due to the way the league is set up and the financial power they wield

 

[hashimafzal]

PCB should take action against themselves first and foremost for being incompetent fools

 

[hitthestump]

I take it OP has never heard of the saying "cutting your nose to spite your face"

 

[kingusama92]

What a tremendously idiotic thread. Take action for what? PCB allowed all of this to happen. Nothing took place behind the board's back.

PCB is more at fault than anyone else. They gave permission to the franchises to do as they please. They didn't form a secure enough bubble. They had stupid gimmicky stuff that could expose risk for the players.

Absolutely idiotic management and organization. I really like Wasim Khan but this should cause some heads to roll. And if this took place in front of him (I can't imagine it wouldn't have) then his head should definitely roll.

The franchises and their owners disregarded the rules.

That warrants punishment whether it's fines and/or suspensions. Not only did they break the rules, but most of these mishaps are also documented (photos/videos).

What the PCB does right now will dictate how franchises behave in the future. Putting all of the blame on Wasim Khan is fine but don't feel bad when these franchise owners do as they please for years to come breaking rules all over the place.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I frankly hold these PSL Franchise owners who are coming out in the media and making public statements against the PCB blaming them for this Fiasco. Was it not Javed Afridi who threatened to boycott the opening PSL games if the likes of Wahab, Sammy were not exempted from isolation requirements?

I have seen videos of Salman Iqbal openly going to the players hotel rooms, lunch and dinner areas mingling with the players, coaches, i doubt he was part of the biosecure bubble, how can he chastize the PCB in public when he himself did not practice what he preached.

It is pretty clear that it was these PSL Franchise owners who put pressure on the PCB to give in to their demands, to let their families, friends, chearleaders come to the hotel, stadium, get access to the players, coaches and now the end result is in front of us. And they have the gall to blame the PCB for this fiasco rather than take any personal responsibility themselves.

The PCB and Health professionals gave the players, Franchise guidelines. The PCB cannot police everyone 24/7. Maybe the PCB should now seriously consider taking action and even taking back teams from owners who behaved extremely unprofessionally during this entire Saga.

I can understand the frustration and stress it's caused but no chance is that gonna happen. I mean the whole thing is a shambles, but right now is not the time for rush of blood action.

You can't take franchise owners to court or hold them responsible cause it'll come back and bite the PCB badly because they didn't make sufficient enough arrangements themselves. I mean despite what the franchise owners have done:

- Who approved a 3-day quarantine?
- Who approved players to have activities like playing golf?
- Who approved players having breakfast/dinner together?
- Who approved the hotel booking? (i.e. you couldn't buy a whole hotel?????)

The fact is franchise owners can turnaround and say we did exactly what they said in the SOP, so it's a bad move!!!!!!

 

[Shoaibbtt]

What a tremendously idiotic thread. Take action for what? PCB allowed all of this to happen. Nothing took place behind the board's back.

PCB is more at fault than anyone else. They gave permission to the franchises to do as they please. They didn't form a secure enough bubble. They had stupid gimmicky stuff that could expose risk for the players.

Absolutely idiotic management and organization. I really like Wasim Khan but this should cause some heads to roll. And if this took place in front of him (I can't imagine it wouldn't have) then his head should definitely roll.

I think initially when first thought it's not all Wasim Khan's fault but also where is Ehsan Mani who hasn't even issued a statement. Can't throw one guy under the bus, Wasim is a director and he can delegate tasks to others and so it's on them and if they have to approve things from Wasim so be it (if Wasim approved it then, it's his neck as well as Mani's).

 

[Oxfordchamp]

For any tournament, it is the organizers who set the rules. In this case, PCB is entirely responsible for this fiasco which has made every PakistanI sad and disappointed and ashamed. They should be held responsible for not being able to implement basic protocols.

 

[Mamoon]

No. It is PCB’s fault and they were sleeping.

 

[Indiafan]

Take action against the very people that are filling PCB's coffers. Good luck with that.

BCCI once banned Shah Ruth Khan from all stadiuns after unprofessional behavior

 

[Savak]

BCCI once banned Shah Ruth Khan from all stadiuns after unprofessional behavior

Exactly. These Franchise Owners are the most badniyat, ehsaan faramosh, dishonest people who are not being man enough to admit and accept the responsibility and consequences of their actions. It is clear the PCB warned them about not taking the Bio Secure Bubble seriously and they threatened the PCB with their tantrums if they were not given concessions. If i were the PCB, i would strip and take away the teams from the offending Franchise Owners and search new owners.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

I have seen videos of Salman Iqbal openly going to the players hotel rooms, lunch and dinner areas mingling with the players, coaches, i doubt he was part of the biosecure bubble, how can he chastize the PCB in public when he himself did not practice what he preached.

I thought he was part of the bubble? That's what I've read from both him and journalists.

It is pretty clear that it was these PSL Franchise owners who put pressure on the PCB to give in to their demands, to let their families, friends, chearleaders come to the hotel, stadium, get access to the players, coaches and now the end result is in front of us. And they have the gall to blame the PCB for this fiasco rather than take any personal responsibility themselves.

I know there's the video of those kids saying they high fived players. Any other pictures or videos of celebrities or owners outside the bubble interacting with players/coaches in the bubble? Surely somebody would have posted that.

 

[RickyG]

The franchises and their owners disregarded the rules.

That warrants punishment whether it's fines and/or suspensions. Not only did they break the rules, but most of these mishaps are also documented (photos/videos).

What the PCB does right now will dictate how franchises behave in the future. Putting all of the blame on Wasim Khan is fine but don't feel bad when these franchise owners do as they please for years to come breaking rules all over the place.

Who is supposed to enforce the rules? Who allowed Peshawar to let Wahab and Sammy into the fold? Who allowed Lahore to field a covid positive player?

Who didn't book the entire hotel? Who let this hamaray heroes segment expose players and commentators?

The franchises are to blame but PCB let them get away with it. They're all culpable but the biggest culprit is the PCB. They can't just shift the entire blame now when everything blew up in their face.

 

[RickyG]

I think initially when first thought it's not all Wasim Khan's fault but also where is Ehsan Mani who hasn't even issued a statement. Can't throw one guy under the bus, Wasim is a director and he can delegate tasks to others and so it's on them and if they have to approve things from Wasim so be it (if Wasim approved it then, it's his neck as well as Mani's).

Like I said if the lapses took place under him then he is culpable. But PCB is to blame massively regardless of which individuals dropped the ball within the organization.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Who allowed Lahore to field a covid positive player?

When was this?

Who let this hamaray heroes segment expose players and commentators?

When were the 'Hamaray Heroes' near the players? They were interviewed by the commentators, what's wrong with that?

 

[RickyG]

When was this?



When were the 'Hamaray Heroes' near the players? They were interviewed by the commentators, what's wrong with that?

I read it somewhere on these boards regarding Rauf.

Smh some people will defend anything. Salman Iqbal wasn’t near the players either then I’m assuming.

 

[RickyG]

From the main psl cancellation thread:

Poster PTI posted this:

LQ Owner on Geo TV :
Our team waited in the bus for around 40 minutes to an hour when Zalmi management threatened to pull out from the match after Sammy and Wahab breached the bubble and PCB tried tried to take stand but gave in post Zalmi threat.

KK Owner / Rashid Latif / Tanvir Ahmed on Ary ;
3 days quarantine period rule of PCB was a joke as all over the world it’s 7 days quarantine period.

The ground staff and commentators were not part of bubble but they used to roam around on the ground / mingle with the team’s management/ players

The hotel where teams were staying partially booked and the weddings / normal public events were booked in hotel

The cooking staff in hotel were also not part of the bubble.

Fawad Ahmed had breakfast with Islamabad team the day he was diagnosed with Covid positive.

Haris Rauf was Covid positive and missed out in the first LQ match but after PCB showed leniency towards PZ franchise , The LQ decided to make Haris Rauf part of the playing 11.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

From the main psl cancellation thread:

Poster PTI posted this:

LQ Owner on Geo TV :
Our team waited in the bus for around 40 minutes to an hour when Zalmi management threatened to pull out from the match after Sammy and Wahab breached the bubble and PCB tried tried to take stand but gave in post Zalmi threat.

KK Owner / Rashid Latif / Tanvir Ahmed on Ary ;
3 days quarantine period rule of PCB was a joke as all over the world it’s 7 days quarantine period.

The ground staff and commentators were not part of bubble but they used to roam around on the ground / mingle with the team’s management/ players

The hotel where teams were staying partially booked and the weddings / normal public events were booked in hotel

The cooking staff in hotel were also not part of the bubble.

Fawad Ahmed had breakfast with Islamabad team the day he was diagnosed with Covid positive.

Haris Rauf was Covid positive and missed out in the first LQ match but after PCB showed leniency towards PZ franchise , The LQ decided to make Haris Rauf part of the playing 11.

So Haris Rauf got covid twice? That's extremely extremely rare.

Be very careful about what you read in the coming days on Twitter & Forums. This is the time when each party will try to gain political points and throw each other under the bus and start rumors just to distract everybody from their own short-comings and breaches.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Salman Iqbal wasn’t near the players either then I’m assuming.

Both Salman Iqbal and journalists have said that he was in the bubble. Other owners or journalists should come out and dispute that if it's not true.

 

[RickyG]

So Haris Rauf got covid twice? That's extremely extremely rare.

Be very careful about what you read in the coming days on Twitter & Forums. This is the time when each party will try to gain political points and throw each other under the bus and start rumors just to distract everybody from their own short-comings and breaches.

So what's the truth then?

Wahab and Sammy never breached the bubble?

No one got covid? Not Haris, Banton or Fawad?

Salman Iqbal himself admitted that he entered the bubble at a later stage.

I don't know why anyone would lie about this. It's just coming out now because everything unravelled. Like I said, you have a PCB CEO wondering why there was a covid outbreak when all of this and more was happening right in front of them.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

So what's the truth then?

Wahab and Sammy never breached the bubble?

No one got covid? Not Haris, Banton or Fawad?

I'm sure all that happened. It's that Haris stuff that just seems like a Twitter rumor.

 

[Ellipsism]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PSL fever is not over yet! We have brought your All time favorite Zalmi Player to Packages Mall. Come to TCL VR Arena and get a chance to meet them <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zalmi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zalmi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TCLPakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TCLPakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowStorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowStorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/H0hkzCHywN">pic.twitter.com/H0hkzCHywN</a></p>— PeshawarZalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeshawarZalmi/status/1368522319472304128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Javed Afridi and his buffoonery strikes again

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Basically Javed Afridi is telling the fans to not get disappointed as he is making sure that fans will get a chance to meet their favourite cricketers even when PSL has been suspended. The only difference will be that now they will meet them in a mall instead of a cricket statdium and get selfies and probably shake hand nd legs. You see how much he cares for fan. How can PCB fine or ban such an owner who will keep PSL in limelight even when it has been suspended ? PCB needs such owners.

 

[RajBan]

Imran should intervene and ensure that such jokes do not happen or their franchise will be cancelled. I am damn sure there are enough rich business houses in Pakistan and in the diaspora to provide cover if needed.

If one thing nobody can question is Imran's capability is how to run the cricket operations. This was carving out a brand but courtesy to the show off by owners the PSL brand is getting diluted.

Something like this happened in IPL in the initial years where some owners along with their paid celebrities tried to make IPL a khichdi of cricket, fashion, item girls, late night rave parties. Fortunately some how those took back seat in last few years with more professional outlook and cricket driving the entertainment quotient . Probably BCCI and the owners realized that nobody will take the league seriously if they allow it to run that way.

 

[Mamoon]

After Sethi, Javed Afridi has played the biggest role in reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

He made a huge effort to convince the entire Zalmi squad to play the PSL final in Pakistan in 2017 when the entire overseas contingent of Quetta ran away and were replaced by those infamous “railu kattas”.

Show him some respect. Besides, the PSL is over for now and there is no obligation on these franchises and players to lock themselves up in their homes.

If they catch the virus it is their own headache.

 

[Saj]

This is a big wakeup call for many.

As a player who is now back home told me, lots of lessons to be learnt for franchises, PCB and the players.

 

[observer1]

After Sethi, Javed Afridi has played the biggest role in reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

He made a huge effort to convince the entire Zalmi squad to play the PSL final in Pakistan in 2017 when the entire overseas contingent of Quetta ran away and were replaced by those infamous “railu kattas”.

Show him some respect. Besides, the PSL is over for now and there is no obligation on these franchises and players to lock themselves up in their homes.

If they catch the virus it is their own headache.

What an absolutely ridiculous comment.

Your last sentence makes no sense considering you're frothing at the mouth at the PCB "sleeping".
Atleast pretend to not be a hypocrite

 

[Savak]

Shahid Afridi in an interview hinted that he became disillusioned with Javed Afridi opportunistic nature which is why he eventually decided to part ways

 

[Saj]

At the moment PCB is in self-preservation mode and those in key roles are trying to ensure they remain in their jobs.

Whilst that is happening the franchises are on the front foot and squarely pointing the finger at PCB.

The concern is that if PCB is scared to actually reveal what happened during PSL6 then these franchises are going to think they are completely untouchable.

 

[Savak]

At the moment PCB is in self-preservation mode and those in key roles are trying to ensure they remain in their jobs.

Whilst that is happening the franchises are on the front foot and squarely pointing the finger at PCB.

The concern is that if PCB is scared to actually reveal what happened during PSL6 then these franchises are going to think they are completely untouchable.

Wasim Khan might decide against staying in Pakistan after this debacle. Why would he stay in an unprofessional, finger pointing environment where people refuse to take responsibility

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

I can't even explain how poorly this entire fiasco reflects on us as a society in general. As I keep reading more, my blood boils at the pathetic mismanagement. And this is the condition of the country's most premier competition which involves foreigners and apparently educated elite

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

At the moment PCB is in self-preservation mode and those in key roles are trying to ensure they remain in their jobs.

Whilst that is happening the franchises are on the front foot and squarely pointing the finger at PCB.

The concern is that if PCB is scared to actually reveal what happened during PSL6 then these franchises are going to think they are completely untouchable.

Exactly, I think this is what is going on. The PCB needs to come out and explain the entire situation to the public. The franchises which didn't follow the SOPs need to be punished. Fine them at least. PCB needs to show they're in control here.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Exactly, I think this is what is going on. The PCB needs to come out and explain the entire situation to the public. The franchises which didn't follow the SOPs need to be punished. Fine them at least. PCB needs to show they're in control here.

So you want PCB to explain that :

1. They allowed Javed Afridi, Darren Sammy , Wahab Riaz to breach bubble.

2. Allowed Lahore to field a positive Haris Rauf becoz as Peshwar can breach the bubble then we will also play a covid positive player in retaliation.

3. Allowed Karachi team owner Salman Iqbal to shamelessly breach the bubble regularly.

4. Allowed commentators and organizers to mingle with people outside the bubbl and the mingle with the players.

5. The hotel staff that were serving the players were not a part of the bubble at all.

6. The hotel which was acting as a bio secure bubble was hosting weddings and other guests.

7. The gym which players used was used by public too.

8. The wives of the players with their army of kids went in and out of the bubble from the hotel to their homes.

9. The players were getting food from their friends place.

10. Pcb didnt reveal about any player getting infected and allowed it to spread untill and unless the players themselves revealed it.

Its the PCB who needed to call the hosts not the other way round. Look how BCCI deals with franchises. How they dealt with SRK and even Ness Wadia was taught a lesson when he and his friends misbehaved with some ladies during IPL. They are even ready to fight cases for years. But, then PCB cant do that as they need these bullying franchise owners. Had they got the option of having other buyers in queue to take over the ownership of franchise then they wont have allowed this to happen. Also the casual approach of PCB has been exposed in those areas too where owners didnt do anything. PCB were the organisers so the whole blame goes to them. It will be the same if it were a WORLD CUP, the blame would have gone to ICC and the hosting board not the teams participating in it. It looks as if PCB just gave their support to the league which was organised by team owners and they only dictated the terms as they called the shots. Some small time not so influential ppl will be made scapegoats to show that action has been taken and then everything will be brushed under the carpet. And it will be business as usual with JAVED AFRIDI , SALMAN IQBAL bullying PCB and PCB following their orders to run PSL and waiting for another disaster.

 

[Savak]

The PTI government needs to come down hard on Media Reporters, Ex Players, Franchise Owners

More than the Bio Secure bubble laxity that we witnessed in the PSL which is seriously disgraceful, but what has seriously appalled and disgusted me then times more is the manner in which the PSL Franchise Owners have first deliberately, blatantly violated the PCB Bio Secure directives, guidelines for their show of power, elitism, then have thrown the PCB under the bus rather than taking a long hard look in the mirror themselves and taking their own personal responsibility for this fiasco, the manner in which ex players and media reporters have used this opportunity to ruthlessly pounce on the PCB and made public statements like "No foreign player will ever trust the PCB or play in the PSL again?", "No foreign player or board will ever tour Pakistan again", "The PCB will face massive financial losses and bankruptcy", "Pakistan is humiliated worldwide".

Had it been up to me, i would have adopted a Stalin approach towards these people to keep their mouths shut or face serious dire consequences and stop hurting the image, reputation and national interest of the country for their own petty self interests and scores. This is what the government needs to do because this non stop criticism of the PCB and making public comments against the interest of Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket is very damaging

Indians in comparison are ten times more patriotic and would not indulge in this ** of hurting the image of the country, IPL just to settle their own personal scores

 

[Gotham Cronie]

2. Allowed Lahore to field a positive Haris Rauf becoz as Peshwar can breach the bubble then we will also play a covid positive player in retaliation.

Are we really going to keep spreading this Twitter rumor?

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Listening to Salman Iqbal dude he has gone nuclear. One statement he said is quiet sad..
He said when I asked why we are moving to lahore.. so much movement then he was told by PCB officials ke Kuch nahi hota.. Allah Khair Karega. PCB is one of the most incompetent boards ever.

 

[Savak]

Listening to Salman Iqbal dude he has gone nuclear. One statement he said is quiet sad..
He said when I asked why we are moving to lahore.. so much movement then he was told by PCB officials ke Kuch nahi hota.. Allah Khair Karega. PCB is one of the most incompetent boards ever.

Will take anything what these Franchise owners say with a pinch of salt. Their elitism, tuu jaanta nahin mera baap kaun hai syndrome, attitude vis a vis the PCB and authorities is what has caused this mess

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Will take anything what these Franchise owners say with a pinch of salt. Their elitism, tuu jaanta nahin mera baap kaun hai syndrome, attitude vis a vis the PCB and authorities is what has caused this mess

Well it seems he is blaming the PCB for their incompetence.
Ideally they should post a united front about mistakes being made, learn from it and do a better job next time. But it seems everyone in Pak media is out to get juicy stories and air dirty laundry. This is on ARY.
They should work together to salvage the brand.

 

[Savak]

Well it seems he is blaming the PCB for their incompetence.
Ideally they should post a united front about mistakes being made, learn from it and do a better job next time. But it seems everyone in Pak media is out to get juicy stories and air dirty laundry. This is on ARY.
They should work together to salvage the brand.

That's why I want the PCB to phase these Franchises out and look for other options. The way they have thrown the PCB under the bus at the first sign of difficulty is disgraceful

 

[Ellipsism]

After Sethi, Javed Afridi has played the biggest role in reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

He made a huge effort to convince the entire Zalmi squad to play the PSL final in Pakistan in 2017 when the entire overseas contingent of Quetta ran away and were replaced by those infamous “railu kattas”.

Show him some respect. Besides, the PSL is over for now and there is no obligation on these franchises and players to lock themselves up in their homes.

If they catch the virus it is their own headache.

I’m going to call a spade a spade. Over the course of the last couple days Javed has proven that he is completely ignorant about the dangers and nature of the virus.

No one is expecting the cricketers to lock themselves in a room until the PSL resumes. However, surely something like a meet up would essentially be a breeding ground for community transmission; and displaying this unserious attitude towards the virus isn’t something you would want to tweet out for the world to see. Especially after what’s transpired over the course of the last 2-3 days.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Cricket Board shuts offices after senior official tests positive for COVID-19.

The PCB decided to adopt a safety-first approach soon after the official tested positive and asked its employees to work from home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday decided to close down offices at its headquarters in Lahore after a senior official tested positive for COVID-19.

The PCB decided to adopt a safety-first approach soon after the official tested positive and asked its employees to work from home.

The COVID-19 case comes just a few days after the PCB was forced to postpone the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi after six cricketers and a support staff tested positive for the disease.

Since the postponement, the board has faced stringent criticism about its handling of the bio-secure bubble and its implementation for the teams at the hotel and stadium in Karachi.

With many reports emerging of laxity shown by the medical personnel/officials in enforcing the bio-secure bubble, the PCB chairman, Ehsan Mani appointed an independent panel to probe as to what went wrong in the PSL bio-secure arrangements.

Their appointment came after the head of the PCB’s medical and sports sciences department, Dr. Sohail Saleem had submitted his resignation to the Chairman.

Mr. Mani is also due to hold a meeting with the seven franchise owners on Monday with plenty of fireworks expected as the franchises are demanding they be refunded their franchise fees if the future of the remaining PSL 6 matches remains unsure.

To top it all, the PCB few days back had added a force de majure clause in their contracts with the franchises which basically will safeguard the board if the PSL 6 can’t be completed this year.

In the latest COVID-19 case to hit the PCB, a reliable source said the concerned official had not been in Karachi for the PSL but he had visited the training camp set up at the high performance centre in Lahore for Pakistan and bench players.

“The Lahore based players like Azhar Ali and Muhammad Abbas were all going home after the training but now the board has suspended the camp and will announce fresh dates with all players now to undergo fresh COVID tests as the board has also launched contact tracing of the official,” he said.

According to reports, major blunders were committed in enforcing the bio-secure bubble with the medical personnel not conducting the COVID-19 test immediately on Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed despite he reporting about stomach pain and other discomfort.

Also when some other cases came up the medical personnel still didn’t carry out proper contact tracing and the PCB also didn’t suspend the matches for a few days and went ahead with the schedule after just a one-day suspension of the Islamabad United-Quetta Gladiators match.

Later, it emerged that some other players, including Hasan Ali, had also tested positive after a birthday party was held at the hotel for former Pakistan player and bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood by one of the franchises which was attended by players.

https://www.thehindu.com/sport/paki...sts-positive-for-covid-19/article34018989.ece

 

[MenInG]

Franchise owners are expected to meet Ehsan Mani today, after the postponement of PSL 6

On agenda:

1. Return of their submitted fees in case the tournament cannot be carried out in the future.

2. Unhappiness with Wasim Khan's perceived sharing the responsibility of the overall mismanagement of the tournament with all stakeholders.

3. Franchises are not happy at not being consulted by the board for formation of fact-finding panel.

4. Franchises concerned about financial losses as despite featuring in just four or five matches, most foreign players have been paid 70 per cent of their total amounts and not clear if any amounts will be returned by players who are not willing to come back if the tournament is continued in the future.

 

[Babeikh]

This idea that it is all PCB's fault and the franchises have no responsibility at all is ridiculous.

 

[Savak]

Franchise owners are expected to meet Ehsan Mani today, after the postponement of PSL 6

On agenda:

1. Return of their submitted fees in case the tournament cannot be carried out in the future.

2. Unhappiness with Wasim Khan's perceived sharing the responsibility of the overall mismanagement of the tournament with all stakeholders.

3. Franchises are not happy at not being consulted by the board for formation of fact-finding panel.

4. Franchises concerned about financial losses as despite featuring in just four or five matches, most foreign players have been paid 70 per cent of their total amounts and not clear if any amounts will be returned by players who are not willing to come back if the tournament is continued in the future.

You can't enter into a business relationship where you will only enjoy the good times but not jointly maintain a united front in bad times. If I were in the PCB I would seriously consider moving on from these Franchises going forward.

They designed the contracts with the foreign players therefore they should have stipulated clauses in the contracts. In Hollywood and Bollywood whenever a film project is abandoned or when an actor has to drop out or exit a film project, they in good faith return the signing amounts

 

[UzmanBeast]

You can't enter into a business relationship where you will only enjoy the good times but not jointly maintain a united front in bad times. If I were in the PCB I would seriously consider moving on from these Franchises going forward.

They designed the contracts with the foreign players therefore they should have stipulated clauses in the contracts. In Hollywood and Bollywood whenever a film project is abandoned or when an actor has to drop out or exit a film project, they in good faith return the signing amounts

Agreed. The issue PCB is experiencing right now is that franchises are using "loyalty" as a means of walking all over the authority of the board. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some threats coming from the franchises to do XYZ if the PCB doesn't shove this mess under the carpet quickly. The franchises are also incompetent for paying 70% of the international players without the correct clauses within the contract preventing them from receiving the full payment for their services if they do not return to play in case of such an event.

However, there is something quite odd there which is yet to be examined. Is the PSL only attracting foreign stars because of up-front payments of high amount? Are these foreign stars even interested in the league, or are they just there to collect that one-time payment and act as if they care? Players like Chris Lynn failed desperately and for him to leave with 70% of his due salary is quite criminal for a guy averaging less with the bat than Qais Ahmed. Ben Cutting is another player who failed miserably, but will still receive 70% salary somehow. If you get the idea of what I'm trying to say, the PCB is attracting washed out international players by offering quite large payouts up front to feature in the league. That has two effects, firstly, these players will not have any obligation to return if they've made 70% already, and secondly, the level of competition for these players decreases. All international stars who participate in the IPL fight for their place and perform, and I have a feeling that this is because IPL payouts are strategic with when players receive their salaries.

Add to this list the fact that the PCB isn't making money from the broadcasters, and they'd be lucky to not enter a financial issue of sorts.

 

[Saj]

This idea that it is all PCB's fault and the franchises have no responsibility at all is ridiculous.

No one person is entirely at fault here. Rather it's a combined failure between PCB, those working on behalf of PCB at all levels, the PCB medics, the franchises.

I just hope that lessons have been learnt and if the tournament is held in future, it's organised in a more professional way, whether Covid is there or not.

 

[Saj]

Agreed. The issue PCB is experiencing right now is that franchises are using "loyalty" as a means of walking all over the authority of the board. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some threats coming from the franchises to do XYZ if the PCB doesn't shove this mess under the carpet quickly. The franchises are also incompetent for paying 70% of the international players without the correct clauses within the contract preventing them from receiving the full payment for their services if they do not return to play in case of such an event.

However, there is something quite odd there which is yet to be examined. Is the PSL only attracting foreign stars because of up-front payments of high amount? Are these foreign stars even interested in the league, or are they just there to collect that one-time payment and act as if they care? Players like Chris Lynn failed desperately and for him to leave with 70% of his due salary is quite criminal for a guy averaging less with the bat than Qais Ahmed. Ben Cutting is another player who failed miserably, but will still receive 70% salary somehow. If you get the idea of what I'm trying to say, the PCB is attracting washed out international players by offering quite large payouts up front to feature in the league. That has two effects, firstly, these players will not have any obligation to return if they've made 70% already, and secondly, the level of competition for these players decreases. All international stars who participate in the IPL fight for their place and perform, and I have a feeling that this is because IPL payouts are strategic with when players receive their salaries.

Add to this list the fact that the PCB isn't making money from the broadcasters, and they'd be lucky to not enter a financial issue of sorts.

The 70% payment is bizarre to say the least and as you say maybe a way of getting these players over in Pakistan.

 

[Babeikh]

No one person is entirely at fault here. Rather it's a combined failure between PCB, those working on behalf of PCB at all levels, the PCB medics, the franchises.

I just hope that lessons have been learnt and if the tournament is held in future, it's organised in a more professional way, whether Covid is there or not.

Completely agree.

But, sadly, is it not a reflection of Pakistani society as a whole?

 

[Saj]

Interesting times ahead now for the future of the PSL.

Franchise owners aren't happy with the PCB and have got the PCB on the back foot.

In return the PCB are looking at the numbers and don't want to be out of pocket regarding PSL6.

The relationship between PCB and the franchises wasn't the best, I think that relationship will hit a new low now.

 

[MenInG]

Interesting times ahead now for the future of the PSL.

Franchise owners aren't happy with the PCB and have got the PCB on the back foot.

In return the PCB are looking at the numbers and don't want to be out of pocket regarding PSL6.

The relationship between PCB and the franchises wasn't the best, I think that relationship will hit a new low now.

Also from reports it seems they are not happy with Wasim Khan NOT taking the blame completely on PCB.

Guess Wasim knows the first rule of insurance when it comes to crashes - NEVER accept blame! So I would suggest the franchises should stop complaining and get on with trying to fix the situation.

 

[Savak]

The PCB Imo are just putting up with the Franchises for this season because they want to desperately end this season in a good note. It did not take them a second to terminate the ownership rights of Schon Properties for defaulting on their payments and within no time came Ali Tareen and his father's business partners with $6.35 million.

Point is that the PCB should have other options with regards to Franchise Owners. And in any case the Franchise Owners themselves have been complaining that the PCB has been the one profiting in the PSL and the PCB has refused to cede to their demands in the past under the pretext that you can't have a situation where the Franchises are the ones making money via the PSL and the PCB gets nothing.

Even Najam Sethi in a recent interview blamed the franchises for not successfully establishing their own brands and monetizing their fan base via merchandising and getting new sponsors for themselves

I seriously hope that once this psl season is over, the pcb terminates the ownership rights of some of these franchises to send a message across that they are serious about franchise owners following rules otherwise there will be consequences and the PCB will not hesitate to take tough decisions.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

The reaction of the franchises is sending the message that PCB dare not blame them for anything that happens in PSL and do not stop them from doing what they want to do during PSL as they havent earned anything from PSL yet , but still persisting with it and cant be dictated by PCB. If PCB tries to be adventurous with them then they will pull out of the league. So let PSL run on their terms. Also the owners dont have any interest in cricket they are just using PSL for their own brand promotion and earning money. They are not cricket enthusiasts and literally dont care if it helps PAK CRICKET. Look at Javed Afridi, he is still promoting his brand through his players even when PSL has been suspended. He is using PSL even when its not being played. It shows that he cares for his brand part of PSL, let alone the cricket part of it.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: All six franchises of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold the remaining 20 matches of Covid-19-hit sixth edition of the league either in April or June, even at the cost of rescheduling Pakistan team’s tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe, scheduled for March-April.

The proposal of the franchises came forward during a virtual meeting headed by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and also attended by CEO Wasim Khan Director Commercial Babar Hamid and the owners of the six franchises on Monday.

The owners of the franchises have adopted the stance that the importance of restoring the reputation and credibility of the mega national brand of the PSL should be more important as compared to the tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe. And to achieve this purpose, the franchises have argued that the resumption of the remaining matches as soon as possible could restore the country’s image as well as the reputation of the league.

Though the month of May is also available, the franchises are not interested because of India’s cash-rich IPL will be in progress during that month. The second window, according to the franchises, is available in June when the Pakistan team has no assignment or tour at hand.

Dawn learnt on authority that the PCB did not refuse the proposal of the franchises to reschedule the tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe and may start negotiations with the South African and Zimbabwe cricket authorities to reschedule the African safari.

The month of June seems more suitable for the PCB to hold the matches, but again in Karachi where weather will be more pleasant compared to scorching summer seasons in almost the entire Punjab province during that month.

Moreover, as of now the PCB has to hire the services of a company which will take the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of the SOPs of the Covid-19 very strictly, so it may create a hurdle to hold the matches in April. The PCB committed a blunder by not hiring the services of any such organisation and went to rely on its own medical team which was unable to ensure strict implementation of SOPs.

Seven or more cases of Covid-19 were reported among the players and officials within three days which forced the PCB to defer the league on March 4 after only 14 matches had been completed.

The next meeting between the PCB and the franchises owners will be held after three days. Moreover, it is learnt that the franchises have expressed reservations that there is a serious lack of communication between them and the PCB and many decisions of the Board were imposed unilaterally without taking them into confidence.

It is also learnt that the PCB cited various examples in which the franchises failed to cooperate with the Board despite receiving prompt instructions.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2021

 

[Energy]

That's cute. Franchises forcing the PCB to reschedule national tours over the PSL to protect the 'reputation' of the league. Seems like tikka kabab parties, golf rounds, showbiz parties were all contributing to the reputation perfectly.

 

[Varun]

That's cute. Franchises forcing the PCB to reschedule national tours over the PSL to protect the 'reputation' of the league. Seems like tikka kabab parties, golf rounds, showbiz parties were all contributing to the reputation perfectly.

In a way, the PSL is still a better proposition than more games against the likes of Zimbabwe. But that's not the reason why the franchises are demanding it.

 

[Markhor]

These franchise owners have lost grasp with reality. They violate the biosecure bubble causing the league to prematurely end, and then think they're in a position to make demands.

Why should PCB sour relations with CSA and ZCB ?

 

[OMB]

Both PSL and Franchises will have no contractual right to force majeure. Covid is a pandemic known prior to the event happening and was not an extraordinary new event that occured during the league.

Not resolving this quickly renders the league a riskly proposition for the franchisee. Only way is to reschedule the PSL. If required, use the proceeds to settle SA & ZIM boards concerns.
PSL is in ICU now. Tours can happen later.

 

[JattMaula]

These us obvious solution to all this.

THE IMRAN KHAN Solution!

I.e. Do as Aussie do. Copy bbl format.

First step-

buy back all franchises. PCB has half a billion us dollars coming in next few years from broadcasting deals. They have the cash to buy out these owners

Second step-

Profit unlimited. Control everything. No strings to PCB. Go wild.

I will take 2 million dollars in fee if this idea is implemented. Contact my manager. @pcb

 

[Savak]

Both PSL and Franchises will have no contractual right to force majeure. Covid is a pandemic known prior to the event happening and was not an extraordinary new event that occured during the league.

Not resolving this quickly renders the league a riskly proposition for the franchisee. Only way is to reschedule the PSL. If required, use the proceeds to settle SA & ZIM boards concerns.
PSL is in ICU now. Tours can happen later.

PCB is rightfully putting emotions aside and is swallowing their pride ego and desperately looking to resume the PSL again because if they don't, they will lose $15 million this season

 

[Last Monetarist]

If the PCB bow down to the franchise owners and agree to reschedule international commitments, it will be the death knell for the primacy of international cricket in this country. True embarrassment for everyone at the PCB and the Prime Minister, who has historically derided franchise cricket.

 

[Saj]

The PCB let the franchises rule the roost in previous editions of the PSL and that was always going to be a dangerous precedent.

By letting them dominate the PCB the Board has put themselves in a difficult position.

This is going to be a bumpy ride.

 

[Hasan123]

The PSL can wait. We should fulfil our fixtures against Zimbabwe and South Africa. We should not strain our relationships with those boards.

 

[princeuk]

Oh for goodness sake, how did it all come to this in the first place, the PCB and franchise owners are equally to blame, if the franchise owners disagree then show them the videos of their guests and families in the bio bubble

 

[MenInG]

Latest from media reports

- The franchises want remaining matches of PSL to be played in in March and for the PCB to reschedule to upcoming tour of South Africa for that purpose - a position PCB is finding difficult to convince them otherwise.

- The franchises owners have also offered to book hotel for PSL matches and also indulge in direct negotiations with CSA about rescheduling

- Since some payers will be traveling to take part in the Indian Premier League during the first week of April it will obviously suit them to take part in the PSL matches if played in March.

- PCB, obviously worried about their relationship with Cricket South Africa and also about convincing the broadcasters, to change the schedule in such a short span of time.

 

[OMB]

Latest from media reports

- The franchises want remaining matches of PSL to be played in in March and for the PCB to reschedule to upcoming tour of South Africa for that purpose - a position PCB is finding difficult to convince them otherwise.

- The franchises owners have also offered to book hotel for PSL matches and also indulge in direct negotiations with CSA about rescheduling

- Since some payers will be traveling to take part in the Indian Premier League during the first week of April it will obviously suit them to take part in the PSL matches if played in March.

- PCB, obviously worried about their relationship with Cricket South Africa and also about convincing the broadcasters, to change the schedule in such a short span of time.

That's not asking for much. Franchise owners want only the moon and the stars.

 

[Babeikh]

franchise owners need to get over themselves and understand that the world doesn't revolve around them.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

franchise owners need to get over themselves and understand that the world doesn't revolve around them.

Franchise owners are primarily businessmen and their world revolves around their business investments. They wont risk it at all.

 

[Babeikh]

Franchise owners are primarily businessmen and their world revolves around their business investments. They wont risk it at all.

That's fine but the PSL has had enough success now and we can find new owners for the franchises too. They also need to understand that the success of their business depends on a good relationship with the PCB and that means in both good times and bad times.

 

[Babeikh]

I thought September made most sense to me - just before T20 World Cup and also the weather would be a bit more pleasant.

April/May is a no-no because of commitments to tour SA and Zim
June is too hot but I guess if games start at 8pm it will be okay. It isn't just playing games, also practice etc.

But ok, June is better than a postponement of the SA and Zim tours.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Well, we all can understand that PCB were left with no choice as team owners were in no mood to go beyond JUNE as they were admant to finish it off asap.

 

[Savak]

Hoping the PCB especially Ramiz Raja does not let the PSL Franchise owners do whatever they want this PSL season