PSL holds key debriefing sessions as league maps out its future

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has two pivotal debriefing sessions lined up on July 2 and 3 as the league prepares for the next stage in its expansion and revolution. The two meetings are expected to be conducted by PSL CEO Salman Naseer and his staff, and will see all six owners of franchises in attendance as well as other key stakeholders.

The sessions arrive at a critical juncture in the history of the league, after a drastic structural reorganization last winter that saw the PSL established as an autonomous body. Salman Naseer's hiring as the first-ever CEO of the new organization was interpreted as an attempt to bring about greater transparency and efficacy in league operations, but numerous critical hires within the framework are still outstanding.

PSL to Discuss Franchise Charges, Expansion, and Future Directions in Crucial Meetings

The meetings will look to discuss the performance and operations of previous PSL editions, solve persistent commercial and operational issues, and assess the way forward, including the financial viability of the league. Given the valuations of franchises consistently increasing over the years, the PCB is said to be eyeing a hike of 25% in franchise charges. Whereas all franchises last year reaffirmed allegiance to their proprietors, the costliest franchise, Multan Sultans, which pays more than PKR 1 billion every year in membership fees, has been notoriously quiet in light of doubts regarding long-term survival.

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Expansion is another important issue on the agenda. Proposals to add two new franchises for PSL 11 have hit a wall, with no official talks yet undertaken by the PCB. The increased league would have games increase from 34 to 54 and could double revenues as much as 30%, but franchise owners remain in the dark as to financial models or game plans.

A number of major commercial deals are also set to expire, such as title sponsorship, broadcasting rights, ground rights, and live streaming arrangements. The league is currently making about PKR 900 million a year from title sponsorships, with local and overseas broadcasting arrangements contributing billions more to the kitty. As PSL enters its second decade, this week's hearings might go a long way in determining the destiny of one of the globe's most-watched T20 leagues.