T20 leagues: Does PSL have the poorest quality overseas players?

[hayder ali]

Just watching teams of PSL 4 there are about more than dozen players I haven't even heard the name of, the guys like Ian bell who are not good enough to play in afghan league, while guys like Lynn and Mcculum go unsold...

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Looking at the drafted local players, the future of Pakistan cricket is bleak

 

[Hawkeye]

Yes.

It's called retired players league for a reason. But, with inclusion of AB and Smith, it might change.

To be honest, I don't know more than half the international players. They're not even international cricketers tbh, just from white countries.


It's a harsh reality and we must accept it - the standard needs to get better.

 

[barah_admi]

Not really, it has two of the leading players on the planet and a tonne of other very good names.

Reality is, the best t20 cricketers on the planet, barring the likes of Root, Kohli, Starc are all Pakistani. Not much need for inferior international talent.

 

[Sachin136]

Not really, it has two of the leading players on the planet and a tonne of other very good names.

Reality is, the best t20 cricketers on the planet, barring the likes of Root, Kohli, Starc are all Pakistani. Not much need for inferior international talent.

Since you care about rankings so much, only 2 of the top 20 T20I batsmen are Pakistani and 3 of the top 20 bowlers. So I don't think Pakistan has the best 15-20 T20 players in the world (barring Kohli, Starc, Bumrah, etc).

 

[warcry]

yes.
but that is due to the window for psl. feb-march is not right
south africa, new zealand,australia have home series. with england touring one of those countries. therefore, first choice players from those teams are unavailable.

PSL should have September-October slot (that is ideal), that is occupied by CPL.

 

[MMHS]

This was always on the card, considering PSL is played in the middle of busiest cricket season and just before IPL. This year no BD cricketer is participation, last year WIN & AFG players were busy for WC qualifiers and next year ENG, SAF, WIN & NZ are booked in that period. And, PSL doesn't pay enough for players to force their board (s) to release them.

Ideally, PSL should be played exactly when IPL is played - either way PAK players are not playing in IPL & Indian players in PSL, and whoever has the chance to play in IPL won't risk PSL (might play, but will do a Jofra Archer staff). PSL's biggest threat is not IPL, not even any other PL or SL; rather it's biggest threat is International schedule, otherwise beyond 64 players, still there are enough quality players (in fact, far better than current PSL pool) left out during IPL, who can make it much richer than couple of gala names like AB or Smith.

 

[barah_admi]

Since you care about rankings so much, only 2 of the top 20 T20I batsmen are Pakistani and 3 of the top 20 bowlers. So I don't think Pakistan has the best 15-20 T20 players in the world (barring Kohli, Starc, Bumrah, etc).

A - who said I care about rankings?

B - Pakistan has the best t20 side over the last 18 months and is probably the best, most effective and most consistent t20 nation ever.

If that hurts you, use some vaseline.

 

[Hasan123]

There is a lot of rubbish overseas players selected. But the timing of PSL doesn't help. No player will want to get injured before the IPL and most teams seem to be playing during the period of the PSL.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

We have all the best t20 players in the world except indians and people are complaining,
LEts see them name someone who's missing lol

 

[Hawkeye]

We have all the best t20 players in the world except indians and people are complaining,
LEts see them name someone who's missing lol

Warner
Miller
Faf
Kock
Steyn
Rabada
Maxwell
Starc
Roy
Butler
Stokes
...


The list goes on.

We need to get at least half them signed.

 

[Vildoc]

A - who said I care about rankings?

B - Pakistan has the best t20 side over the last 18 months and is probably the best, most effective and most consistent t20 nation ever.

If that hurts you, use some vaseline.

Lol telling that to the supporter of the no 1 test side

 

[the_outsider]

A - who said I care about rankings?

B - Pakistan has the best t20 side over the last 18 months and is probably the best, most effective and most consistent t20 nation ever.

If that hurts you, use some vaseline.

Talk about a contradiction

 

[the_outsider]

What really surprised me is Chris Lynn going unsold. Is there a particular reason for that? Does he have national duty during the PSL?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

What really surprised me is Chris Lynn going unsold. Is there a particular reason for that? Does he have national duty during the PSL?

Yes. Same case with Rashid Khan.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Big Bash and MSL among others have got worse overseas player quality. CPL too.

BPL you could argue about has it a bit better. And IPL obviously. That's it.

 

[the_outsider]

Big Bash and MSL among others have got worse overseas player quality. CPL too.

BPL you could argue about has it a bit better. And IPL obviously. That's it.

BBL gets a lot of excellent overseas players.

Gayle
DJ Bravo
Samuels
Narine
Rashid Khan
Nabi
Mujeeb
KP
Joe Root
Butler
Willey
Hales
Jofra Archer
B McCullum

I'm sure there are more. These are just the ones I remember.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

BBL gets a lot of excellent overseas players.

Gayle
DJ Bravo
Samuels
Narine
Rashid Khan
Nabi
Mujeeb
KP
Joe Root
Butler
Willey
Hales
Jofra Archer
B McCullum

I'm sure there are more. These are just the ones I remember.

I was talking about the current season.

Apart from Root and Buttler all of these players have been part of the PSL, and I'm pretty sure Root and Mujeeb haven't played yet.

Gayle, KP and Samuels don't even play there anymore and neither in the PSL.

 

[the_outsider]

I was talking about the current season.

Apart from Root and Buttler all of these players have been part of the PSL, and I'm pretty sure Root and Mujeeb haven't played yet.

Gayle, KP and Samuels don't even play there anymore and neither in the PSL.

I'm just saying that they have always had good overseas players.

And Gayle got himself kicked out of the BBL after harassing a woman reporter on live TV. And he deserved it.

Frankly I'm surprised he is still in the IPL. He is past his sell-by date.

 

[topspin]

I won't repeat what Imran Khan said about the players on show during that PSL final in Lahore, but he was right then and if those words were said to decribe the current crop of overseas picks, one couldn't be any closer to the truth because nearly all of them are just trash.

 

[hailian]

This year there was a very limited purse limit for Supplementary category, that's the reason frenchises couldn't buy big players in Supplementary. Last year LQ bought 2 platinum players Mathews and Mclaghlan in supplementary only because the purse limit was big. Not sure why this year they reduced it.

 

[ShahidDar08]

Not only poorest overseas players but also poorest national players- all oldies blocking way of deserving youngesters.

 

[Bilal7]

Who cares? Like someone said, the best T20 players are all there. If watching Amir and Shadab bowling to Babar and Malik does not excite you then maybe T20 isn't your format.

 

[Executioner]

BPL has much better overseas rooster particularly because BPL pays better and also played in Bangladesh completely.

PSL is basically scedhuled at a bad time. Infact, even BPL isn't getting many t20 stalwarts mainly because of the World Cup coming up.

 

[the_outsider]

I won't repeat what Imran Khan said about the players on show during that PSL final in Lahore, but he was right then and if those words were said to decribe the current crop of overseas picks, one couldn't be any closer to the truth because nearly all of them are just trash.

What did he say?

 

[Varun]

Who cares? Like someone said, the best T20 players are all there. If watching Amir and Shadab bowling to Babar and Malik does not excite you then maybe T20 isn't your format.

Ehh...no! That doesn't excite anyone in any format!

 

[Hawkeye]

Who cares? Like someone said, the best T20 players are all there. If watching Amir and Shadab bowling to Babar and Malik does not excite you then maybe T20 isn't your format.

That excites nobody. It's not Faysal Bank T20.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Do you mean that PSL 4 has "Phateecher Players"

 

[MMHS]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

 

[topspin]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

POTW

PCB needs to create it's own DNA for its cricket league, so they ought to market its USP for its abundance of raw talent. In the right set up and with the best foreign coaches, their progress and learning curve can be fast tracked so that they can become the players of the future.

This what Pakistan cricket and T20 leagues should be about however instead we see a swarm of over aged players in the 30-35 and 35+ age brackets.

The fact that that a 45 year olf has been awarded with a diamond contract for his poor performances from the third edition of PSL epitomises the problem with Pakistan cricket in general.

 

[topspin]

What did he say?

Refer to post 28

 

[CricFan2012]

It's not the PSL's fault that most foreign players won't visit the country, teams have made smart investments by not opting for those foreign players.

 

[Dark_Horse]

BPL has much better overseas rooster particularly because BPL pays better and also played in Bangladesh completely.

PSL is basically scedhuled at a bad time. Infact, even BPL isn't getting many t20 stalwarts mainly because of the World Cup coming up.

BPL top category A+ price is $200,000 wheras psl platinum price goes upto $250,000

 

[CricVet]

Some 2 year old bragging about Misbah is laughable - His tenure saw the worst ever LOI performances and saved a little bit of grace by Younis & Saeed Ajmal in UAE mainly. We also saw his brain dead scoop in WT20 final while he could choose to play in front of the wicket. He was a great test player but a pathetic LOI team leader. Back to the subject.

I completely agree that PSL needs to have it's own brand. Hollywood to Bolly, dolly, Lollywood copy-cat drama needs to end. I know it is easier said than done, but I believe in Imran the prime Minister. Once we are out of the economical/political mess we are in as a nation and economy picks up with investments in the country (Let's wait for at least 5-10 years), we should be able to attract big sponsors resulting better cricket by attracting masses. Money is the biggest incentive to do better.

If we are able to organically produce quality players with good sponsorship and better domestic structure, we will be able to attract big brands. As they say, if you build it, they will come. It is a matter of time God willing.

 

[the_outsider]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

Solid post!

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

Couldn’t agree more.

 

[Greenstorm]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

Agreed. Top post.

 

[Executioner]

BPL top category A+ price is $200,000 wheras psl platinum price goes upto $250,000

That is for players in the draft

Gayle Warner AB they negotiate their price.

For example last season Buttler earned 200k British pounds

 

[Dark_Horse]

That is for players in the draft

Gayle Warner AB they negotiate their price.

For example last season Buttler earned 200k British pounds

That equals $255k for playing 14 matches vs $250k for 12 matches

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE NONE OF THE TEAMS CHOSE MCCULLUM, LYNN OR RASHID KHAN! how can those players not get chosen at all!!!!!??????

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE NONE OF THE TEAMS CHOSE MCCULLUM, LYNN OR RASHID KHAN! how can those players not get chosen at all!!!!!??????

Substandard past experience, poor show in UAE, and lack of availability, respectively.

 

[Executioner]

That equals $255k for playing 14 matches vs $250k for 12 matches

I know behind the scenes Gayle is paid 300k+

Anyways BPL definitely pays more to foreign players BUT local players get paid far less which PSL does well.

 

[shariqnoor]

PSL can never be successful if they go to "stardom" route - it doesn't pay enough, there are International schedules and it can't host games in PAK with "stars". This is just the beginning - once boards start to ration on T20 leagues (participation) and E(CB)PL starts, even Dinesh Ramdhins would be ....

PSL should never go to "stardom" route, and it's not required either. If I take T20 league as an entertainment commodity, one has to analyse marketing tactics through USP (unique sales proposition) perspectives - what is triggering PSL followers? Do I watch PSL for the gana-bajana by cheerleaders - NO (AstaghfirUllah). Do I watch PSL to watch superstars of cricket in T20 - NO (I don't even watch IPL or even BPL much either). Do I watch PSL for putting money on bet - NO (NauzuBillah). Do I watch PSL for watching some big slogs - NO (Wak Thu ...). I watch PSL (whatever I watch) for 2 reasons - 1. to see new players. 2. to watch some closely contested games where the contest is between bat & ball, instead of bat & bat. And, I am sure most fans here (from IND/BD as well) watch PSL for these reasons mostly. For PAK fan, there is an added point - home city linkage.

PSL has to survive within it's scope & limitations. What IPL, PSL won't be able to hire bigger international names than even BPL - the reasons can be explained, but not needed I believe, one can check player roster. Instead of going into that route, PSl should build their own identity - that's serving the purpose of it's USP: 1. Quality contest & close fought games between bat & ball - that can only happen on good wickets and balanced teams, 2. Unveiling new talents - young PAK players who were almost unknown 3. intense City rivalry, so that the franchise brands are associated with the fans.

I can give a classic example from European soccer - BIG 6 Euro leagues are EPL, La Liga, Bundeslliga, Seria A, League 1 (France) & Premeira Liga (Portugal). In terms of financials, French & Portuguese league won't even come close to EPL, La Liga & Sera A, even Bundesliga (for Germany's strong economy & largest local market in West Europe) - and they don't every try to compete either (apart for the Qatari money launders). But, they have created their own identity - some of the best young kids play regular games in France & Portugal, even at the age of 16 (made captain at 17-18! as well), and they have created a strong bondage with soccer rich Africa (France), Latin America (Portugal) - most of their games are sold full house to African & Latin channels.

I myself keenly watch League 1, just to see new French (& African) talents .... Mbappe, Dembele, Rabiot, Martial, Coman, Pavon, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pogba, Lemar ..... they were regular starters for even PSG, Monaco, Marseilles, Lyon ... from the age of 17!!!!!, which is unthinkable in EPL, or even in Spain or Italy. Even in Bundesliga, they have a monopoly of Scandinavian players - each of their game is sold in Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, Holland and Baltic states of former USSR.

PSL has to identify own niche, instead to trying to flow along main stream - they don't have the muscle to counter the tide. I personally don't think PSL needs mercenaries like AB or Smith or Watson for few games in desert, unless they are willing to travel PAK. I call them mercenaries because their only motivation is money, otherwise how a player can leave his team when they are in the KO stage of the tournament !!!!! - there is absolutely no emotional bondage, neither commitment.

PSL doesn't need International big names for the sake of it (BUT, not because PAK's domestics are full of chand -sitare T20 cricketers .... some people never learn ) - what it needs is to serve it's audience; which I don't think happening with games in desert in front of more crows than fans and with Misbah still earning a Diamond deal........

Disagree with a lot. Probably almost all of it.

PSL isn't trying to compete with the IPL. Nobody is dumb enough to compete with the IPL with the amount of money that India has. And neither is PSL looking to acquire stars for the sake of it. If that was the case, McCullum, Sangakkara and Gayle would still be in the PSL.

Coming to the audience bit, you simply cannot use football as a reference point for cricket. Football has a GLOBAL audience with several niches that can be catered to. Cricket is watched in barely 10 countries.

You gave two reasons why PSL should be watched:

1) To see new talent
2) To watch closely fought games

PSL has given more debuts to Pakistan cricket team that our first class structure in the past few years. Hasan Ali, Shadab, Faheem, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Fakhar Zaman were unheard of before the PSL. Sure somebody who closely follows domestic cricket would know them but 99% of the public in Pakistan didn't. And PSL has not veered from that strategy. Youngsters still get their chance to shine. Remember Ibtisam - the leggie? So I'm not sure how you think PSL is not doing this. Yes some deserving players have not been picked in the PSL but that's not the fault of the league or the PCB.

Secondly, with regards to closely fought games, Pakistan is at a handicap of not being able to move the league to Pakistan where you can get decent T20 pitches unlike the UAE. I mean they can but you cannot be blinded to reality as well. You move the league to Pakistan and no foreigners will come to Pakistan except the likes of Malan, Emrit, Denly et al. It becomes a glorified Faysal Bank T20 competition. It is important for young players like Ibtisam to play with and against ABDV, Sammy, Smith, KP, Sangakkara to better themselves. This strategy does not mean that the league is having international stars for the sake of it. It does help in local player development and Pakistan needs it more than any other country. Fakhar Zaman benefited immensely from McCullum being there for him.

Also I don't understand what you mean by PSL needing to serve its audience??? It is doing exactly that. Pakistani public wants to see big names play in their league as well as young Pakistani players being more successful than their international counterparts and based on the 3 seasons so far, it has been the Pakistani players that have been making the difference - except KP.

Sure there are problems in the league. The window isn't ideal - you can't get most of the good foreign talent but that doesn't mean that PSL isn't serving its audience or creating its own.

 

[topspin]

Who cares? Like someone said, the best T20 players are all there. If watching Amir and Shadab bowling to Babar and Malik does not excite you then maybe T20 isn't your format.

Watching a mere accumulator at the crease with no power game and a poor batsman again pace would only excite you.