Suggest your changes for PSL7

[Saj]

With PSL6 over, here's your chance to make any suggestions for the next edition of PSL.

As always I will collate the suggestions and pass them onto the Pakistan Cricket Board.

 

[bilawal666]

Do away with the cringy adverts.

 

[bilawal666]

Do away with the strategic timeout taken from the IPL.

 

[topspin]

Hold the tournament in the same window as the IPL. This will help bring more established foreign stars who don't quite make the cut for IPL but are far better than some of the bum overseas players that we've keep seeing.

Also remove the cringe ads such as Tapal tea moment, Head and Shoulders and etc. Not saying these sponsors should be removed, I would just like to see these brands promoted in a way that doesn't create as much as embarrassment it does for the league.

 

[Rathore]

Add atleast 2 more teams this will greatly improve the no of matches which will increase revenue and will also increase resting period for teams between matches.

 

[Titan24]

I think it would be a good time to add another team or so but, yes I realize that the other team owners would want couple of full seasons in front of crowds in Pakistan before they are ready to share the revenues. However, the thing is if there is a bigger cake they all will be able to get a bigger piece as well.

 

[Titan24]

Hold the tournament in the same window as the IPL. This will help bring more established foreign stars who don't quite make the cut for IPL but are far better than some of the bum overseas players that we've keep seeing.

What about the revenue from Indian and other global viewership?

I personally dont think it would be a feasible option otherwise why does every other league is held when the calendar is clear rather than merging it in the IPL window and getting unsold gems?

Not to forget quite a few big players which have played in PSL at one time or another will never be available during this window. However, even if we overlook that we cant ignore the broadcasting and viewership revenue.

So I believe there are more cons than much thinkable pros.

 

[MenInG]

I'd say leave the tournament as is. This year I found the extra bits to be less and there was more emphasis on cricket - which is great.

 

[topspin]

What about the revenue from Indian and other global viewership?

I personally dont think it would be a feasible option otherwise why does every other league is held when the calendar is clear rather than merging it in the IPL window and getting unsold gems?

Not to forget quite a few big players which have played in PSL at one time or another will never be available during this window. However, even if we overlook that we cant ignore the broadcasting and viewership revenue.

So I believe there are more cons than much thinkable pros.

Indians have better things to do than watch a substandard T20 league like the PSL.

Only a handful of players play in both the IPL and PSL.

 

[Savak]

Find a new window that does not conflict with the IPL. Need to now increase the salaries and to recruit better players in the league. Hold the Franchise owners and officials accountable.

 

[Savak]

Invite Pakistani Celebrities to commentate during the matches to derive interest. Have a music fashion show during the start, break of every game. Need to spice and glam it up

 

[Artaxerxes]

You are free to watch or not watch.No body is forcing you.Many people don’t watch IPL either.IPL may be the best league for you but not for me.My village team is the best for me.

 

[Titan24]

Indians have better things to do than watch a substandard T20 league like the PSL.

Only a handful of players play in both the IPL and PSL.

Then why would Sony buy the rights if no one watches it? Surely nobody likes to make losses. Are you going to share some viewership data to back your claim?

Also what about other global viewership numbers which will be impacted? Sky, willow etc. Or supposedly nobody watches anywhere and all the networks like to make losses.

Another question which I asked was that if its such a good idea than why havent any other league around the world followed it and merged itself with the IPL window?

You are yet to provide a single pro other than maybe few decent players which go unsold might be available at the cost of viewership revenues.

 

[cricketerB94]

PCB needs to show to the franchise owners who is the real boss. They need to make an example, take a franchise from their owners (ideally LQ) and show them that there are 3 more buyers of that franchise in queue. PCB need to make the following rules for the franchises:

1- No more player development fuss. PCB has the system to develop the players from their U16s, pick a player from that system.
2- National T20 captain will be the captain of his respective franchise.
3- Franchises should not be allowed to take the local contracted players to other leagues (like T10 or 90Ninety)
4- If a franchise owner tries to threaten PCB in any way (like a franchise owner threatened in this PSL6 to not play a match if certain players are not allowed to play), the franchise will be taken from that owner immediately and PCB will take care of that franchise until a new owner is found.
5- If a franchise is finishing at the bottom of the table for 3 consecutive years, they should be given a warning to improve their performances. And if there are same results in the 4th year, then the owners of that franchise should be changed. Because 1 bad team impacts the whole competition negatively.
6- Players and owners should maintain a specific distance in dugout. No more players and owners mingling should be allowed in dressing room.

 

[Bewal Express]

We are still at least 1 team short.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I despise those HBL Parvaz mid-match interviews. All the players stand on the ground like idiots while one guy gives an interview during the match.

I don't at all care about Ramiz's generic questions or that player's generic answers. I'd rather just watch the match.

If they are so crazy about interviewing players mid-match they should do the Big Bash thing where they talk to one of the fielders at different points of the innings, which btw is where they ripped this idea from in the first place.

 

[hitthestump]

It'll still take a few years before quality players like De Kock, Bairstow, Buttler, Warner, etc. will come, and I doubt they ever will because of lucrative IPL contracts.

If they ever come it'll be when they're pensioners ala Steyn, or they'll barely turn up on the field ala Guptill who basically fancied a bit of holiday money out of the PCB's purse this year.

You're definitely better off having the fringe level foreign players.

 

[Sohaib]

1 - The teams SHOULD have some of local representation of the players from the city(or near by cities) they belong to.

I understand it is done to balance out the teams but I would have watched Babar Azam representing Lahore, Sarfraz from Karachi or Shah Nawaz Dhani from Karachi since he's from Sindh, Rizwan or Shaheen Afridi from Peshawar, etc. and same goes for the emerging players. Sure enough this team isn't full of big stars from 90s but whatever lesser known big names, some of them should be playing from their own city(or near-by city's team).

Usman Khawaja was the only played who was born in Islamabad playing for Islamabad United.

If the so called rumours of having Hyderabad city's team are correct then let that team have Dhani and/or Sharjeel Khan play for them.

Quetta team should have some local Balochis representation in it.


2 - Also do away with useless and forced advertisements the likes of asking commentators to talk about Tapal Tea, donut smile moments, Oppo Selfie Moments.


3 - Have proper commentators. I understand having women representing the sports, but Sana Mir and Arooj Mumtaz were horrible as commentators. Even though not local, Kass Naidoo was far better to listen to in the first leg of PSL 5 last year before Covid19 affected the tournament.

Zainab Abbas as a host, keeps on repeating the same set of questions again and again sometimes in the same segment.


4 - Sort out the broadcasting and specially streaming issue before the tournament starts. Let the streaming viewers have the option of choosing English or Urdu commentary as per their liking instead of being forced to listen only one commentary track.


5 - To increase viewership from international viewers, have competition for them too. Let them have a chance of winning like 50, 75, 100 dollars/pounds cash or online shopping vouchers. Partner with websites like Amazon, AliExpress, Ebay, etc. At the end of the tournament have 10 mega winners for 1000 or 1500 vouchers or 3 winners for 2000 dollar vouchers.

For example a question can be, In between overs 6 and 7, David Gower and Ramiz Raja were talking about facing a Pakistani legendary leg spinner in county cricket. Who was that bowler and how many sixes did so and so hit him in that over?

or

During over number 12, Alan Wilkins and Simon Doull talked about Pakistan winning a XYZ Cup in year 2012 by one wicket. Who were the tailenders who took Pakistan home and is one the coach staff member of one of the teams in current PSL.

Answer the question on Amazon.com/PSL website or something like that and enter a chance to win vouchers at the end of the match and also a chance for grand voucher at the end of the tournament.

Have similar type of prizes during pre-game and post-game shows to keep the viewership.


6 - And I can understand Habib Bank Limited is the main sponsor of PSL, but it is hell annoying to hear them calling it HBL PSL instead of PSL. Let PSL name stand on its own. Sponsors logos and advertisement are already there to remind us of that.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

If players are able to speak in English then please interview them in English. Is the PCB’s target audience Pakistanis only?

Bring back Sialkot Stallions.

Each team has to field an emerging local batsman and bowler. A whole PSL season and we didn’t see one emerging batsman, UNBELIEVABLE

During the Weekends, schedule 3 matches in a day just like the Euros. 12pm-3pm Game 1, 3:30pm-6:30pm Game 2 and 7pm-10pm for Game 3.

Get rid of the cheap advertisement. No one wants to see an Ariel ball going through some hoops. If you really want to do advertising mid way through the game, then do a “Ariel hit a six” challenge, get spectators into the nets and have professional bowlers bowl at them. AND PLEASE GET RID OF THE GOODIE BAGS no one wants to see some freshie throwing a ball at the stumps from 5 yards and then collecting his shalwar kameez, it’s stupid and cringe.

 

[UzmanBeast]

If they ever come it'll be when they're pensioners ala Steyn, or they'll barely turn up on the field ala Guptill who basically fancied a bit of holiday money out of the PCB's purse this year.

You're definitely better off having the fringe level foreign players.

We've almost roped in most of the West Indies players apart from maybe Pollard, Pooran, and Narine.

It also depends on the scheduling, because if the window we get doesn't coincide with major series, we have a better chance of getting some of these players.

 

[Saj]

Keep the suggestions coming.

 

[Concerned]

If Misbah can coach a PSL team to gain experience why can Babar not do the same?

The captain of Pakistan needs to be the captain of the PSL team to gain experience and exposure.

 

[Arsal_AK]

Try and get better players. There is nothing else really. Playing the matches in Pakistan was the other thing, but that's been taken care of.

 

[El Generico]

Indians have better things to do than watch a substandard T20 league like the PSL.

Only a handful of players play in both the IPL and PSL.

As per reports, Indian viewers outnumbered others in PSL finals viewership

https://www.crictracker.com/as-per-...-outnumbered-others-in-psl-finals-viewership/

This is from four years ago, chances are the Indian viewership has gone even higher which would explain why a major Indian network like Sony got the rights for the league.

 

[Concerned]

People can belittle PSL as much as they want, but in reality for channels such as SkySports to broadcast the event is an achievement itself.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Substitute players just like they had in BBL and floating PP as well.

 

[Saj]

Guys keep this thread for suggestions.

Plenty of other threads to discuss the PSL in general.

 

[Pakpak]

I hate the word 'franchise'. Imagine a football team in Europe, or anywhere using the word franchise for a club.

Get rid of these Head and shoulder cringe nonsense everytime. Surely the sponsors can find a better way to advertise their product.

PCB needs to find a way to attract top stars instead of has-beens or unknowns.

The biggest for me is absolutely pathetic teams based on friendships. QG, LQ to name two. How is Aaqib still in the job? Why is Azam Khan in the team? Why is Sarfi still captain?

My interest in PSL, whenever its played in UAE, wanes. I haven't watched any games this year in UAE.

 

[Concerned]

There needs to be stricter protocol in place which ensures there is no conflict of interest from managers to players.

It is a joke seeing the likes of Imam playing T20 cricket with Inzamam clapping in the background.

 

[ataullah]

1) Add a few more venues. NSK, Multan Stadium, Gaddafi, Pindi stadium are hosting the matches and would be nice to add Arbab Niaz Stadium Peshawar, the first double tier stadium in Pakistan and Muzaffarabad cricket stadium which will be hosting KPL..

2) More local players representing their franchises like Rizwan for Peshawar.

3) Add a 7th team or relegate the bottom team .

4) Try to get a window especially for PSL so all foreign players are available. Pay them more.

 

[krikit]

Hold the tournament in the same window as the IPL. This will help bring more established foreign stars who don't quite make the cut for IPL but are far better than some of the bum overseas players that we've keep seeing.

Also remove the cringe ads such as Tapal tea moment, Head and Shoulders and etc. Not saying these sponsors should be removed, I would just like to see these brands promoted in a way that doesn't create as much as embarrassment it does for the league.

With the IPL set to increase the number of teams to 10 and possibly increase the foreign quota to 5 per XI, this might not work in the future.

The biggest problem for PSL is that Pakistan itself doesn't have any big stars anymore. When the IPL started, we had guys like Sachin, Dhoni, Yuvi, Sehwag, Ganguly who were crowd pullers regardless of their IPL performance, because of what they had done in international cricket. We also had a solid midcard with Raina, Gambhir, Dravid, Kumble, Bhajji and international favorites like Gilchrist and Lee with McCullum obviously lighting it up from Match 1.

What PSL really needs is for guys like Babar, Shaheen and Rizwan to become international superstars which will need high stakes performances for a consistent time period. That will bring in the eyeballs which will bring the money which is what's actually required to solve all the other problems listed here.

 

[umerz]

Hold the tournament in the same window as the IPL. This will help bring more established foreign stars who don't quite make the cut for IPL but are far better than some of the bum overseas players that we've keep seeing.

Also remove the cringe ads such as Tapal tea moment, Head and Shoulders and etc. Not saying these sponsors should be removed, I would just like to see these brands promoted in a way that doesn't create as much as embarrassment it does for the league.

PSL will get lost in front of IPL with no media coverage etc. As much as we love our country brand of PSL we should be realistic.

 

[alirabbi1129]

1. Another window for the PSL must be explored around late September/October/early November when most of the foreign players are likely to be available.

2. TV coverage should be in HD in Pakistan. Currently, Geo Super and PTV are not good enough.

3. The strategic timeout should be scrapped. It's just a copy of the IPL and a time wasting activity.

4. Commentary should be in both English and Urdu on different channels and users should have the option of switching between these two channels.

5. Commentators should focus more on tactical analysis and less on comedy. Especially Bazid Khan is a big culprit.

6. Maximum retentions in the draft should be 3 rather than 8 to encourage some change.

7. One local player from that some province must be part of the playing 11 to encourage local support.

 

[mastimasti]

Point number 7 above is spot on!

I would say the format needs a change, each team plays each other twice, by the play offs will play each other a 3rd time and then a 4th time...it completely removes the novelty of team based tournaments.

There should be 2 groups of 3, each team in each group should still play each other twice and hopefully there could be home/away fixtures in the future. Finally, top two from each qualify for the play offs, so there will be teams that have never played each other, increasing the wow factor for some games.

 

[MenInG]

PCB and franchises agree on PSL 7 dates

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and all six franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have unanimously decided to hold the next edition of league in January and February next year, with all fixtures planned on home soil, while also ensuring that maximum matches should be included in the home series against Australia who are due to tour the country in February and March.

A joint meeting of the PCB officials with the franchise owners was held via Zoom on Friday and cleared January and February as the ideal window to stage the PSL-7.

According to sources in franchises, the PSL will start from Karachi and end in Punjab.

The franchises agreed that the PCB should prepare such a schedule of the PSL matches, which should also ensure a maximum number of matches during Australia’s first tour of Pakistan since 1998.

The sources said January/February is considered as the best window for the PSL season because immediately after the Australia series concludes, the holy month of Ramazan will begin while the Indian Premier League is also expected to start, which could hinder issues related to the broadcasters and availability of overseas players.

When asked the track-record reveals that Covid-19 threat had been more serious during the months from January to May and the last two editions of PSL were badly disrupted by the pandemic, sources said the PCB would be hiring the services of a UK company — as it did during the second leg of the T20 league in Abu Dhabi recently — to ensure complete implementation of the SOPs.

“And now there are many examples when there were no postponements of major sporting events despite the emergence of some Covid-19 cases. So life has to go on with this threat,” sources said. “The PCB will start working on the schedule of PSL-7 and decide how many double-headers can be included.”

It may be mentioned that the PCB has to sign new commercial rights including the title sponsorship, media rights and many others for the next three years but before doing that they have to evaluate the current value of the PSL and then start bidding for the new commercial agreements.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2021

 

[MenInG]

In his interview with PP, Wasim Khan said this:

PakPassion.net: There is a potential issue with next year’s Pakistan Super League clashing with the Indian Premier League (IPL). What are the other options for next year’s PSL?

Wasim Khan: We are going to be speaking with the franchises over the next few days regarding this issue. The fact is that Australia is returning to Pakistan after 22 years and there is no other opportunity to play them except during this period of time. Cricket Australia made it clear that this is the only window they have and we are looking to finalise 3 Test matches against them so we will have to find a mutually agreeable solution for a different timeframe for next year’s PSL rather than February.

 

[Firebat]

I'm happy that the Australia series takes precedence, but I'm a little concerned that a PSL season isn't the best preparation for Tests against Australia.