I would like to see following (not necessarily everything instantly)
1. Bring entire PSL in PAK - ESL, Phattichar ........ I don't care - bring it back home, where cricket belongs. Obviously, it has to be a collective effort for PCB, PAK & State Govt., Army ... but that should be first priority.
2. Increase the quality of foreign players. For that, may be they can start 2 things -
2a. Reduce quota of foreign players to 3 in playing XI - there are few foreigners in PSL, who are making XI for their passport, not for cricket; PAK has enough resources to cover that one foreign quota.
2b. Change in payment mood. I don't think, this fixed cap draft is helping in this regard. At the same time, franchises have to manage budget as well. May be for that, PSL can start separate draft for local & foreign players with foreign players in open bid (with a minimum base price). Teams should be given a cap for foreign recruits (may be in terms of % of total wage cap, so that local players' interest is protected as well - no point paying Talat $35K and AdV $1mn). Another way, for foreign players could be staggered payment - that's base wage for signing and then match fee for availability. The idea is that, AdV signs for PSL at $150K for the season - then on top of that, he is entitled to be paid say $35K/game depending on availability of selection (including injury). That means, AdV can earn up to $500K as base wage if he is available for entire PSL preliminary round; after that additional payment for Eliminator (if team qualifies). Team's budget cap is locked on pay-out (at the end of PSL), not on draft amount (that's team can book TOP internationals for token money and still can keep a good roster within budget). May be, unspent money (from cap) can be allowed to carry forward next year. In short, I am telling exactly the model they are using in BPL for foreigners, but if had I started mentioning BPL model, don't think rest part would have much face value there after.
3. FGS, take out that "emerging" quota - Misbah hasn't retired yet and this trend will become chronic. Every or almost every U23 player gradually will be put in emerging category for a ~$25K contract and seniors will enjoy Diamond, Platinum contracts for being "injured" till their 50s.
4. Put a age cap for the squad - may be average age for squad U29, for starting XI U28; 2 players in XI over 35; 5/6 over 29 including those 2 - these caps includes foreigners as well, so that obsolete Internationals don't use PSL to earn cheap bucks. If it's retired foreigners, it has to be like Watson or Ronchi.
5. UAE or PAK - PSL's wickets need to improve. They have bluffed people by making it 55 metres boundary, but there has to be lot more desired from wickets. If required, ask ICC to support with professional curators, but PSL games has to reach 170 per score on a standard 65 metre ground. Otherwise, posters might start to surprise why PAK players are hitting SIX at will in PSL ....... then Mian Malik is failing to clear Kiwi grounds almost every time, that too against spinners.
6. I would like to see PAK Captains in PSL, and young players as Captain - not 45 years old non playing Captains. People like Mac, Sammy can mentor young Captains in field, but the charge has to be shifted to a local player. I presume, there'll be some changes in squad - therefore, these are my ideal candidates -
IU: Amir - he needs to leave KK and head back to his own City. If not IU, he should move to MS and lead the side - KK isn't suiting him
PZ: Hasan
KK: Sarfraz (if he moves back to KK), or Babar
QG: Amin (If Sarfraz leaves)
MS: Ahmed
or JK
- or they can bring Amin/Amir and make captain
LQ: Fakhar
7. I would like to see PSL domestic tournament - preferably just before the draft, or during off season. Idea is simple - 6 PSL teams with un/little known U23 players, same format (10 games; but no eliminator - it ends at league stage) - this is the idea taken from NBA D League or the Second XI League in County. This will help teams to scout better and draft their final squad better.
8. PSL All-star - this is basically fan engagement; very similar to Fantasy league. Fans across globe can start online voting to select 22 players to form 2 teams and there can be a PSL All-Star game at mid point of the tournament. 2 teams can be in any dimension - North (Squad from IU, PZ, LQ) Vs South (KK, QG, MS) or East Vs West; or PSL Deshi vs Videshi; or Imran XI Vs Javed XI ........ PSL will appoint 2 Coaches and name the 11 X 2 squad 3 days before the All-star game - voters making 11 or 22 correct predictions should win prizes (may be attend the All-star game or PSL Final at a Corporate box).
Commentary, graphics, HD picture quality, stadium decoration ........ these are a function of economy of PSL - you get what you can afford. Obviously, PSL would be much better being played in Cow Boys' Arlington like Stadium, with Nasser, Chappell, Bish, Sunny, Athers, Tubby, Clarke .... analyzing the game, shown in 4K, UHD picture - but it'll be foolish to a white elephant, if the bi-weekly pay cheque doesn't suggest so.
