'PSL 8 matches in Lahore and 'Pindi to continue as scheduled': Najam Sethi

[Savak]

According to Media Reports, the Punjab Govt is refusing to foot the Security Bill of Rs 500 million and instead asking the PCB and the Franchises to pay the amount instead. The Sindh govt in comparison is cooperating with the PCB and has agreed to foot the bill for all security expenses. The PCB is now considering cancelling the Lahore and Rawalpindi leg of the league and to play all the remaining PSL matches in Karachi and will officially announce this after a meeting tomorrow.

This will be a very poor decision, the Karachi Leg of the PSL has been very poor this year.

==


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called an emergency meeting of all PSL franchise owners on Friday at 3 pm, in order to decide the fate of PSL matches scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The aforementioned meeting will take place via video conference call and the agenda will be to decide whether to shift the PSL 8 matches, scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore, to Karachi. PCB representative have confirmed the development.

According to sources, the Punjab government has demanded PKR500 million from PCB to conduct the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already paid PKR50 million to Punjab government for expenses on food and drinks, which are been borne by the PSL franchises.

The Punjab government is demanding the remaining PKR450 million for lighting and security purposes.

PCB will not have to pay the aforementioned expenses, in case the matches are shifted to Karachi.

In order to save these expenses, the board is now considering to shift the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi.

Sources further added that the emergency meeting will decide as to who will borne these expenses, if PCB decides to go ahead with the matches in Punjab.

The PSL 8 action from Karachi and Multan is supposed to shift to the Gaddafi Stadium and Pindi Cricket Stadium, where the matches are scheduled to be played from 26 February to 19 March. This includes the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final at the home of Pakistan cricket from 15-19 March.

Rawalpindi is scheduled host 11 matches this season, while nine matches will take place in Lahore.

CricketPakistan

 

[Rana]

Home team needs to turn up

 

[MenInG]

According to Media Reports, the Punjab Govt is refusing to foot the Security Bill of Rs 500 million and instead asking the PCB and the Franchises to pay the amount instead. The Sindh govt in comparison is cooperating with the PCB and has agreed to foot the bill for all security expenses. The PCB is now considering cancelling the Lahore and Rawalpindi leg of the league and to play all the remaining PSL matches in Karachi and will officially announce this after a meeting tomorrow.

This will be a very poor decision, the Karachi Leg of the PSL has been very poor this year.

PDM to the rescue soon. PCB Chairman will need to ring up his friends at PM house.

 

[Major]

ohh come onnn, i bought tickets

 

[MenInG]

ohh come onnn, i bought tickets

Just panic for nothing.

Moving PSL games like that is no joke. Sethi won't allow it, this is an izzat ka mamla.

 

[Snowflake]

PDM to the rescue soon. PCB Chairman will need to ring up his friends at PM house.

Footing any sort of bill shouldn't be a problem for those friends.

Though "PDM" and "rescue" are two words I would never use in the same sentence.

 

[Major]

Just panic for nothing.

Moving PSL games like that is no joke. Sethi won't allow it, this is an izzat ka mamla.

i hope so... i am planning to take my mom to a cricket match . last time i tried to take her to the australia t20 game, it got shifted. Just bad luck

 

[Savak]

Is Pakistan so bankrupt that even a $2 million security bill is a big deal? These security expenses are the responsibility of the government.

No doubt Sethi and the Franchises will contact the PM House and the Pakistani Army to step in. Mohsin Naqvi is Zardari's guy so Sethi is best advised to get in touch with the PPP for this.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Just panic for nothing.

Moving PSL games like that is no joke. Sethi won't allow it, this is an izzat ka mamla.

I really hope it gets resolved. Moving remaining matches to Karachi would literally kill the vibe of the tournament.

 

[MenInG]

Is Pakistan so bankrupt that even a $2 million security bill is a big deal? These security expenses are the responsibility of the government.

No doubt Sethi and the Franchises will contact the PM House and the Pakistani Army to step in. Mohsin Naqvi is Zardari's guy so Sethi is best advised to get in touch with the PPP for this.

Maybe posturing as well, to make the Punjab Govt look silly etc.

 

[Savak]

I wonder if this is a ploy by the Mohsin Naqvi administration to delay the provincial elections. The Supreme Court will definitely ask if you can provide security and logistical arrangements for the PSL, why can you hold the elections in April then?

Tragic if true

 

[Ryw]

Not gonna happen Sethi is "chirya" sparrow
of Shahbaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif will

step in by saying "krna to nai tha par kia
karon,Majboori hai"

Sethi is my guy

 

[Savak]

According to Ramiz Raja, he faced the same issue with the Punjab Govt for PSL 7 but he lobbied with the PM Office and the Punjab Govt where it was decided that Presidential Security for foreign dignitaries, diplomats were the responsibility of the govt and since the PCB pays taxes to the federal govt, provincial govts and doesn't take any funds from the govt, generates its own funds, the PCB should not be held responsible for the security bill.

Apparently Sethi is prepared to pay the bill along with the Franchises but the Franchises are refusing to pay this amount and are demanding that either the security bill is waived off or the entire tournament is shifted to Karachi.

 

[moghul]

According to Media Reports, the Punjab Govt is refusing to foot the Security Bill of Rs 500 million and instead asking the PCB and the Franchises to pay the amount instead. The Sindh govt in comparison is cooperating with the PCB and has agreed to foot the bill for all security expenses. The PCB is now considering cancelling the Lahore and Rawalpindi leg of the league and to play all the remaining PSL matches in Karachi and will officially announce this after a meeting tomorrow.

This will be a very poor decision, the Karachi Leg of the PSL has been very poor this year.

==


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called an emergency meeting of all PSL franchise owners on Friday at 3 pm, in order to decide the fate of PSL matches scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The aforementioned meeting will take place via video conference call and the agenda will be to decide whether to shift the PSL 8 matches, scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore, to Karachi. PCB representative have confirmed the development.

According to sources, the Punjab government has demanded PKR500 million from PCB to conduct the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already paid PKR50 million to Punjab government for expenses on food and drinks, which are been borne by the PSL franchises.

The Punjab government is demanding the remaining PKR450 million for lighting and security purposes.

PCB will not have to pay the aforementioned expenses, in case the matches are shifted to Karachi.

In order to save these expenses, the board is now considering to shift the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi.

Sources further added that the emergency meeting will decide as to who will borne these expenses, if PCB decides to go ahead with the matches in Punjab.

The PSL 8 action from Karachi and Multan is supposed to shift to the Gaddafi Stadium and Pindi Cricket Stadium, where the matches are scheduled to be played from 26 February to 19 March. This includes the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final at the home of Pakistan cricket from 15-19 March.

Rawalpindi is scheduled host 11 matches this season, while nine matches will take place in Lahore.

CricketPakistan

Last time I checked Multan was also in Punjab.

 

[moghul]

Is Pakistan so bankrupt that even a $2 million security bill is a big deal? These security expenses are the responsibility of the government.

No doubt Sethi and the Franchises will contact the PM House and the Pakistani Army to step in. Mohsin Naqvi is Zardari's guy so Sethi is best advised to get in touch with the PPP for this.

Pay Zardari just 10% of the bill and everything will be OK.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

With situations and issues like this, I don't see how PSL can develop, or even keep going.

 

[Savak]

According to reporters, the PCB is going to request the Franchises to pitch in equally to cover the Punjab govt security bill along with the PCB which will roughly come around $286,000 per party if they decide to hold the remaining PSL games in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

In case they refuse and agree to play the remaining games in Karachi, they will still have to pay their share of the relocation costs along with the PCB. Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United franchise owners so far are not in favor of shifting the Lahore, Rawalpindi games especially since 70-80% of the tickets for the remaining PSL games have been sold out whereas Karachi has had low attendances this year.

The PCB only covers the food bill of the security personnel which has come to Rs 30 million in Sindh and Rs 50 million in Punjab but the provincial governments are responsible for the security expenses.

 

[moghul]

What a mess and what a timing . Why was not this sorted out earlier .

 

[Kianig89]

just goes on to show the meticulous planning PCB have done, i pray PSL season is completed with no hitch even it happens in Malam Jabbba or Karak

 

[pakistanbest]

You cannot start moving games like this, the reputation of the league is on the line.

The Pak Government are looking to saving any Rupees they can. Will have to be footed by PCB or a prviate sponsor. Sad state of affairs.

 

[moghul]

Would have been better off at UAE while this corrupt regime was in power.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

#DefundPunjab

 

[ArabKnight]

I know it sounds weird, but PSL is one of the only private ventures that I am fine with government subsidizing. Punjab should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Why is PCB refusing to foot the bill? Why are franchisees not paying?

For the IPL BCCI and the franchisees pay the bill.

 

[moghul]

Why was no issue in Multan , which is also in Punjab ?

 

[JattMaula]

Why is PCB refusing to foot the bill? Why are franchisees not paying?

For the IPL BCCI and the franchisees pay the bill.

Maybe because PCB is essentially a government institution doing the gov work.

PSL's main goal isn't cricket or profit for investors anyway. It's a image reformation tool. Like recent the fifa WC. It shows Pakistan is safe to come and do business. It shows that Pakistan can operate normally the threats of some malcontents.

So it's expected of gov of Pakistan to fund their PR operation.

 

[Major]

poor stuff by the punjab govt

 

[Major]

Why is PCB refusing to foot the bill? Why are franchisees not paying?

For the IPL BCCI and the franchisees pay the bill.

dont know about bcci, but pcb is a govt organization. Pays taxes to federal and not provincial. Federal needs to provide security.

 

[Savak]

Why is PCB refusing to foot the bill? Why are franchisees not paying?

For the IPL BCCI and the franchisees pay the bill.

PCB's position is that since they pay federal, provincial and local city taxes to the govt and don't take any penny from the govt to run their affairs and since security of foreign dignitaries, foreign players is a govt responsibility, it is only fair that the govt takes responsibility.

Besides, in the past the PCB arrived with an agreement with the provincial governments that they will take care of the food expenses of the security personnel but the govt will be responsible for the security costs. The present interim Punjab govt is no longer willing to honour the prior arrangements.

 

[Savak]

Why was no issue in Multan , which is also in Punjab ?

The Rs 500 million bill by the Punjab govt to the PCB includes the cost of security of Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi

 

[Bewal Express]

All the mafia in place everywhere from govt to PCB so why has this problem arisen.

 

[Saj]

Why wasn't all this sorted and agreed before the tournament.

Common sense and Pakistan cricket is a rarity.

 

[Major]

Why wasn't all this sorted and agreed before the tournament.

Common sense and Pakistan cricket is a rarity.

not pakistan cricket's fault

govt created issue.

 

[Saj]

not pakistan cricket's fault

govt created issue.

Well, get binding agreements in place ahead of the tournament. Then there is no scope to backtrack.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Why not cancel half the matches and go on to finals after 5 matches each. Short and sweet.

 

[MenInG]

As per reports - no confirmed.

The meeting of PCB officials & Punjab Government has ended. The deadlock continues between PCB & GOVT, PCB clearly said that we are not ready to pay a single penny now as we have already paid 700M tax. Looks like no PSL 8 matches in Lahore & Rawalpindi.

 

[Savak]

These two people ie Sethi and Naqvi are PDM appointees. Why the hell is the prime minister and the COAS not intervening? This entire episode will damage the league irreparably

 

[MenInG]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted an emergency meeting with all PSL franchise owners on Friday, in order to decide the fate of PSL matches scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The interim Punjab government had demanded PKR500 million from PCB to conduct the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already paid PKR50 million to Punjab government for expenses on food.

The provincial government is now demanding the remaining PKR450 million for lighting and security purposes. In order to save these expenses, the board is now considering to shift the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi.

According to details, the meeting took place via video conference call, where the PSL franchise owners gave PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, the final authority to take the call on the aforementioned matter.

Najam Sethi believes that succumbing to the provincial government’s demand will set a wrong precedent for the future and will also result in financial losses for the board and PSL franchises.

PSL franchises have refused to foot the PKR450 million bill demanded by the provincial government.

PCB is still negotiating the matter with the provincial government. In the meeting held between PCB and provincial government on Friday evening, Sethi presented details of approximately PKR 700million provincial tax to Punjab government exclusively due to PSL matches in Punjab.

"Government's bid and pay fees to host sports events due to the positive economic activity generated as a result. Here, we are being penalised for hosting matches in Punjab," PCB tells Punjab govt.

PCB has told Punjab government not a single penny will be paid for security services and the board is ready to shift the matches from Punjab to Karachi.

Another emergency meeting will take place between PCB and PSL franchises tomorrow, in case the issue is not resolved.


CricketPakistan

 

[Double Trouble]

Deluded Sethi wanted to play games in Peshawar & Quetta when he can’t even get the go ahead to play in his own back garden.

 

[Savak]

What this episode has confirmed that the PCB and PSL franchises cannot afford a Rs 700 million bill and cannot recover the amount via ticket sales either.

Leads to questions about the commercial viability of the league

 

[shariqnoor]

I don't understand. Is the issue only Lahore and Pindi? Multan is in Punjab as well. How come the Punjab govt has no issue withe footing the security bill in Multan but has issues for Lahore and Pindi??

 

[the Great Khan]

Thank you showbaaz speed for your efficiency and genius sethi the founding father of pak cricket..

They should make a call to London and ask their spirittual leader for advice.

The country is a joke. Lead by babay and ghadaars who are followed by ignorants who think they are clever.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Wonder if it is a power play for Naqvi or he has an axe to grind with the PSL for media reasons.

 

[Free Hit]

What this episode has confirmed that the PCB and PSL franchises cannot afford a Rs 700 million bill and cannot recover the amount via ticket sales either.

Leads to questions about the commercial viability of the league

I think its more to do with not setting a precedent. If PCB pays this time then government will aways demand payout.

 

[Savak]

According to Samaa, the interim Punjab CM is sticking to his guns, the PCB will only play 2 PSL games in Lahore and move the rest of the games to Karachi. Its funny that the Punjab govt has all the money in the world to spend on giving security protocal to Maryam Nawaz for her jalsas, meetings but nothing for the PSL.

This will be disasterous for the league and the rest of the season. What the hell is the incompetent prime minister Shahbaz Sharif doing?

 

[Saj]

Hearing that it's a stalemate at the moment.

Looks like the matches will be moved to Karachi unless there is a last-minute reconciliation.

 

[Savak]

Its funny that the PCB had an agreement with the PTI Punjab CM Pervez Elahi that the Punjab Govt will take care of the bulk of the security costs whereas the PCB will just be responsible for the food expenses of the security personnel but they have now been stabbed in the back by their own PDM appointed Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi.

 

[MenInG]

I feel some posturing happening here and matches will be played as normal.

No one will want to look like a villain when it comes to PSL

 

[MenInG]

Punjab interim Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi has said that the provincial cabinet is against taking up the task of spending money for the Pakistan Super League matches scheduled to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

 

[Clueless]

I still can't fathom that private franchises , purely profit making organisation are being given security for which the crisis ridden Pakistan tax payer is paying .

 

[Savak]

I still can't fathom that private franchises , purely profit making organisation are being given security for which the crisis ridden Pakistan tax payer is paying .

Why not? The PCB reminded the Punjab Govt the following

- The PCB earns its own money via sponsorship, broadcasting, gate receipts and doesn't take a penny from the Govt

- The PCB pays a total of Rs 2 billion in taxes every year to the federal, provincial, city govt and in sales taxes as well

- The PCB has issued a total of Rs 400 million in passes to the federal and provincial government

- The PCB via hosting international cricket and the PSL is contributing to the local economy

- The PSL is Pakistan's flagship premier brand

- The PCB had an agreement with the past provincial governments that the PCB will be responsible for the food expenses of the security personnel whereas the provincial government will be responsible for security

- Security of the state, its citizens, foreign dignitaries and sporting, diplomatic events is the primary responsibility of the government

- The provincial government at the very last minute cannot behave in an extortionist manner with the PCB in the midst of its premier flagship tournament

These are solid arguments and the PCB is in the right here. Sethi needs to get the prime minister and army chief's involved. Convince the army to provide security for the remaining PSL games.

 

[cricketjoshila]

PCB's position is that since they pay federal, provincial and local city taxes to the govt and don't take any penny from the govt to run their affairs and since security of foreign dignitaries, foreign players is a govt responsibility, it is only fair that the govt takes responsibility.

Besides, in the past the PCB arrived with an agreement with the provincial governments that they will take care of the food expenses of the security personnel but the govt will be responsible for the security costs. The present interim Punjab govt is no longer willing to honour the prior arrangements.

Bcci does all that too and still pays for security. Even for international matches.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Why not? The PCB reminded the Punjab Govt the following

- The PCB earns its own money via sponsorship, broadcasting, gate receipts and doesn't take a penny from the Govt

- The PCB pays a total of Rs 2 billion in taxes every year to the federal, provincial, city govt and in sales taxes as well

- The PCB has issued a total of Rs 400 million in passes to the federal and provincial government

- The PCB via hosting international cricket and the PSL is contributing to the local economy

- The PSL is Pakistan's flagship premier brand

- The PCB had an agreement with the past provincial governments that the PCB will be responsible for the food expenses of the security personnel whereas the provincial government will be responsible for security

- Security of the state, its citizens, foreign dignitaries and sporting, diplomatic events is the primary responsibility of the government

- The provincial government at the very last minute cannot behave in an extortionist manner with the PCB in the midst of its premier flagship tournament

These are solid arguments and the PCB is in the right here. Sethi needs to get the prime minister and army chief's involved. Convince the army to provide security for the remaining PSL games.

TBH this is no excuse. PSL is a private franchisee league and it must pay the bills.

No one is doing a favour by paying taxes.

 

[Savak]

TBH this is no excuse. PSL is a private franchisee league and it must pay the bills.

No one is doing a favour by paying taxes.

Not really. The PCB since inception has never been required to pay for security which is the responsibility of the state via the taxpayers money. Since Mohsin Naqvi is a Zardari appointee, he is following his master's system of haram khori by demanding a bribe as this money being demanded by the Interim Punjab govt is likely to fall into the hands of a few scrupulous ministers in the cabinet.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Not really. The PCB since inception has never been required to pay for security which is the responsibility of the state via the taxpayers money. Since Mohsin Naqvi is a Zardari appointee, he is following his master's system of haram khori by demanding a bribe as this money being demanded by the Interim Punjab govt is likely to fall into the hands of a few scrupulous ministers in the cabinet.

May be the time for freebies is over.

In India the system is that the franchisees pay the local association for the season. The association arranges everything from stadium to security.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Not really. The PCB since inception has never been required to pay for security which is the responsibility of the state via the taxpayers money. Since Mohsin Naqvi is a Zardari appointee, he is following his master's system of haram khori by demanding a bribe as this money being demanded by the Interim Punjab govt is likely to fall into the hands of a few scrupulous ministers in the cabinet.

What is the local mood in Lahore and Pindi about this? Clearly people have spent money on tickets and made plans, only for, technically the public’s own elected government to take the people’s entertainment away from them.

Man, I really really hope it gets resolved. Don’t want to see the rest of the PSL in dead vibes Karachi

 

[Savak]

May be the time for freebies is over.

In India the system is that the franchisees pay the local association for the season. The association arranges everything from stadium to security.

The system of the country of India is not anyone outside India's concern. Hasn't the ICC made the BCCI pay for the excessive taxation in India and threatened to take away ICC tournaments because of BCCI's failures to seek concessions with the Indian tax authorities

 

[Savak]

What is the local mood in Lahore and Pindi about this? Clearly people have spent money on tickets and made plans, only for, technically the public’s own elected government to take the people’s entertainment away from them.

Man, I really really hope it gets resolved. Don’t want to see the rest of the PSL in dead vibes Karachi

People are devastated. This is an interim provincial government, not elected and in fact i am pretty sure there is corruption involved here which is not surprising because Mohsin Naqvi is Zardari's guy and Zardari is very famous for finding ways to make money from lucrative projects.

The PCB also suspect this because the Sindh govt security costs are Rs 400 million whereas the Punjab govt is quoting Rs 1 billion in costs.

 

[cricketjoshila]

The system of the country of India is not anyone outside India's concern. Hasn't the ICC made the BCCI pay for the excessive taxation in India and threatened to take away ICC tournaments because of BCCI's failures to seek concessions with the Indian tax authorities

BCCI has not paid anything to ICC.

No ICC tournament has been shifted out of India.

ICC runs on Indian money. Without that they won't be able to do much. So such threats don't work. This is not the PCB.

Its amusing that because a organisation pays taxes they expect free facilities.

 

[shujaatraza]

People are devastated. This is an interim provincial government, not elected and in fact i am pretty sure there is corruption involved here which is not surprising because Mohsin Naqvi is Zardari's guy and Zardari is very famous for finding ways to make money from lucrative projects.

The PCB also suspect this because the Sindh govt security costs are Rs 400 million whereas the Punjab govt is quoting Rs 1 billion in costs.

Bro..Sindh government is also under Zardari so why did he not extort the PCB here? Think the reason is not extortion but some other move that Zardari is playing over Sharifs.

 

[offstump]

Let’s see if the so called greatest chairman the pcb has ever had can negotiate his way out of this one. The great (senile) Najim Sethi, he should pay out of his own pocket.

 

[ArabKnight]

This is not a good look.

Future seasons of PSL will suffer as people will notice that the PCB doesn’t honor their own word. People will begin to doubt the board and be reluctant to attend matches, even at discounted rates.

 

[offstump]

This is entirely on Sethi. Not only is he the father of the PSL, but his idiotic negotiating skills and up front planning is laughable.

 

[JattMaula]

People don't understand the 4D chess Sethi sahab is playing.

Best problems are the one you create. Only you can solve them easily and take entire credit.

Watch how chairman "solves" this logjam at last minute with his brilliance problem solving skills (i.e. call everyone important he knows).

 

[MenInG]

People don't understand the 4D chess Sethi sahab is playing.

Best problems are the one you create. Only you can solve them easily and take entire credit.

Watch how chairman "solves" this logjam at last minute with his brilliance problem solving skills (i.e. call everyone important he knows).

Oldest trick in a politicians book.

 

[MenInG]

For now, the Pakistan Super League matches scheduled to be held in Lahore on Sunday and Monday will go ahead as planned. Beyond that, the fate of matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi remains undecided.

But clarity on that matter is due on Saturday after Friday’s meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi and a delegation of the caretaker Punjab government headed by provincial health minister Javed Akram here at the Gaddafi Stadium ended in a deadlock.

The sticking point remains the demand of the Punjab government asking for Rs450million from the PCB for making security arrangements in Lahore and Rawalpindi for the matches. Before meeting the government delegation, Sethi had held an emergent meeting with the owners of PSL franchises to decide the next steps and it was decided there that the glitzy T20 league wouldn’t budge to the demands.

“The owners refused to pay a penny more than the amount of Rs50million that has already been paid to the Punjab government for providing food to the security officials during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi,” a source close to the situation told Dawn.

“That message was conveyed to the government delegation, which did not show any relaxation in its demand. The PCB is wary that once such a huge amount is paid for PSL matches, it would set a precedent for the future and the government would ask for it in every international series”.

The spectre of matches being shifted to Karachi remains. Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, which has already hosted its quota of five matches, were allotted 28 out of 37 games of the eighth PSL season.

During the meeting, Sethi tried to remind that when international cricket resumed in Pakistan, the federal and provincial governments had taken the responsibility of providing security during the matches in their respective jurisdiction so they were bound to fulfil that commitment.

The PCB also informed the delegation that the Punjab government would earn Rs700million from the different provincial taxes from the PSL matches.

Sources in the Punjab government told Dawn that the PCB “has been asked to contribute and rationalise the cost being estimated at Rs1.25 billion that include Rs800 million to just light up the routes from the team hotels to the stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi”.

The sources added that the Punjab government was ready to let the PCB go ahead with its plan of shifting matches to Karachi but “during the meeting the PCB had agreed to increase its contribution from Rs50million to Rs100million”.

The Punjab government is maintaining its stance that it has its limitations and cannot afford to spend Rs500-800million on holding matches of the PSL. Sources said that the Punjab government is of the view that “an elected government could spare and spend budget but this was not possible for the caretaker setup”.

Punjab information minister Amir Mir told Dawn that it was initially given an estimate of Rs1.25 billion, including Rs800 million for lights on the teams’ routes.

“The Punjab government had suggested the PCB to use Rs250 million to purchase lights that would become an asset along with a warranty of 10 years,” said Mir, who was in agreement that there was a standoff between the PCB and the government.

A PCB official, however, said there was no link between the lights and the budget as it had always been done by the provincial government in the past.

“And if the Punjab government is advising the PCB to purchase the lights for Rs 250 million, how would it be possible for us to arrange it in two days and where would they be kept after the matches are over?”

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2023

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

PSL schedule is overall atrocious. Started on Monday instead of weekend, and now no match on weekend. Ideally we should have 2 matches on weekends, expecting more people to show up in stadiums.

 

[cricketjoshila]

800mn for lights? Is it not Govt responsibility to light the roads? Will they take away the lights post PSL?

 

[MenInG]

The bottom line is that PSL's success has implications on Pakistan as a place to do business.

There is a reputational risk which the PDM boys need to look at and fix asap.

 

[MenInG]

People don't understand the 4D chess Sethi sahab is playing.

Best problems are the one you create. Only you can solve them easily and take entire credit.

Watch how chairman "solves" this logjam at last minute with his brilliance problem solving skills (i.e. call everyone important he knows).

And hey presto... Problem solved.

==


The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches will be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi as per schedule, as the deadlock between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the interim Punjab government is expected to end today.

A minister from the interim government has confirmed to Express News that the PSL matches will not be shifted from Lahore and Rawalpindi to Karachi.

The interim Punjab government had demanded PKR500 million from PCB to conduct the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already paid PKR50 million to Punjab government for expenses on food.

The provincial government is now demanding the remaining PKR450 million for lighting and security purposes. In order to save these expenses, the board is now considering shifting the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi.

According to sources, the interim Government of Punjab has decided to be flexible on lights, security and other expenses. Sixty percent of the bill payment will be borne by the Punjab government while forty percent will be borne by the PCB.

In this matter, the PCB and interim government representatives will settle the matter today.

During the meeting between the aforementioned parties on Friday, PCB had flatly refused to pay the bills of PKR450 million for security, lights, and other expenses handed over by the government.

Matches in Lahore will start from February 26, while Rawalpindi will host the PSL matches from March 1.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...walpindi-matches-to-go-ahead-as-per-scheduled

 

[cricketjoshila]

800mn for lights? Is it not Govt responsibility to light the roads? Will they take away the lights post PSL?

Can someone answer this?

 

[MenInG]

Can someone answer this?

No one can as this is Pakistan.

Obviously some BTS type arrangement which worked before and not working now.

 

[KyoOne]

For now, the Pakistan Super League matches scheduled to be held in Lahore on Sunday and Monday will go ahead as planned. Beyond that, the fate of matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi remains undecided.

But clarity on that matter is due on Saturday after Friday’s meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi and a delegation of the caretaker Punjab government headed by provincial health minister Javed Akram here at the Gaddafi Stadium ended in a deadlock.

The sticking point remains the demand of the Punjab government asking for Rs450million from the PCB for making security arrangements in Lahore and Rawalpindi for the matches. Before meeting the government delegation, Sethi had held an emergent meeting with the owners of PSL franchises to decide the next steps and it was decided there that the glitzy T20 league wouldn’t budge to the demands.

“The owners refused to pay a penny more than the amount of Rs50million that has already been paid to the Punjab government for providing food to the security officials during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi,” a source close to the situation told Dawn.

“That message was conveyed to the government delegation, which did not show any relaxation in its demand. The PCB is wary that once such a huge amount is paid for PSL matches, it would set a precedent for the future and the government would ask for it in every international series”.

The spectre of matches being shifted to Karachi remains. Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, which has already hosted its quota of five matches, were allotted 28 out of 37 games of the eighth PSL season.

During the meeting, Sethi tried to remind that when international cricket resumed in Pakistan, the federal and provincial governments had taken the responsibility of providing security during the matches in their respective jurisdiction so they were bound to fulfil that commitment.

The PCB also informed the delegation that the Punjab government would earn Rs700million from the different provincial taxes from the PSL matches.

Sources in the Punjab government told Dawn that the PCB “has been asked to contribute and rationalise the cost being estimated at Rs1.25 billion that include Rs800 million to just light up the routes from the team hotels to the stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi”.

The sources added that the Punjab government was ready to let the PCB go ahead with its plan of shifting matches to Karachi but “during the meeting the PCB had agreed to increase its contribution from Rs50million to Rs100million”.

The Punjab government is maintaining its stance that it has its limitations and cannot afford to spend Rs500-800million on holding matches of the PSL. Sources said that the Punjab government is of the view that “an elected government could spare and spend budget but this was not possible for the caretaker setup”.

Punjab information minister Amir Mir told Dawn that it was initially given an estimate of Rs1.25 billion, including Rs800 million for lights on the teams’ routes.

“The Punjab government had suggested the PCB to use Rs250 million to purchase lights that would become an asset along with a warranty of 10 years,” said Mir, who was in agreement that there was a standoff between the PCB and the government.

A PCB official, however, said there was no link between the lights and the budget as it had always been done by the provincial government in the past.

“And if the Punjab government is advising the PCB to purchase the lights for Rs 250 million, how would it be possible for us to arrange it in two days and where would they be kept after the matches are over?”

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2023

Konsi light lagarahi hai govt ke itne expenses hain? I am sure normal street lights are already there.

I have seen no extra lighting on routes when matches are held in Rawalpindi.

 

[KyoOne]

Can someone answer this?

The figure was clearly misquoted. The latest article says Rs. 450 m for both security & lights, of which govt will pay 60%.

I believe PCB should pay for all additional expenses for the event, like it would in a place like UAE. PCB is not a providing any necessity, and does not need a subsidy from taxpayers money to run its events

 

[cricketjoshila]

No one can as this is Pakistan.

Obviously some BTS type arrangement which worked before and not working now.

But infrastructure like lighting the roads is government job and lighting is permanent with maintenance costs.

What is this lighting?

This is Lahore, Punjab's capital and not in midst of Amazon rainforest.

Can anyone tell me if the roads in lahore are not lighted?

This looks like a ponzi scheme.

 

[cricketjoshila]

The figure was clearly misquoted. The latest article says Rs. 450 m for both security & lights, of which govt will pay 60%.

I believe PCB should pay for all additional expenses for the event, like it would in a place like UAE. PCB is not a providing any necessity, and does not need a subsidy from taxpayers money to run its events

What lights are these? And why should pcb pay for lighting the roads? And isn’t street lighting a permanent thing?

I can understand payments for security personnel but street lights?

 

[SamNJ]

What a mess. Who should pay can be debated but these things should be decided months ago, in fact before that.
There are matches tomorrow and they are still unsure who will pay.
Complete mismanagement and tells you a lot about how Pakistan is run.

 

[MenInG]

Ok hold the press, seems this is not a proper tournament but a fish market...

==

Punjab caretaker government has decided not to waive off the Rs500 million bill for the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), sources said on Saturday.

According to the details, a cabinet meeting chaired by caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi was held today, where it was decided that the government will not waive the hefty amount for the event.

Sources added that the government will start making arrangements when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pays Rs250 million.

 

[Savak]

Ok hold the press, seems this is not a proper tournament but a fish market...

==

Punjab caretaker government has decided not to waive off the Rs500 million bill for the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), sources said on Saturday.

According to the details, a cabinet meeting chaired by caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi was held today, where it was decided that the government will not waive the hefty amount for the event.

Sources added that the government will start making arrangements when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pays Rs250 million.

Zardari type extortion from a Zardari linked appointee whose seen the gold pie PSL and his eyes have lit up.

Its about time the prime minister and the chief of army staff intervene

 

[offstump]

Looks like all matches in Karachi. Sethi is the worst thing to ever happen to pakistan cricket. He couldn’t even negotiate with his own government cronies to save the tournament he supposedly created all on his own.