The turmoil that Pakistan are going through at the moment is affecting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) too. With conditions in Pakistan showing very slim chances of improving any time soon, their currency is moving downwards at an alarming rate.
And the increasing value of the US dollar is causing financial losses for franchises participating in the upcoming season of the PSL. The eighth season of Pakistan’s premier T20 competition is scheduled to get underway next month.
According to Cricket Pakistan, Pakistan players are being paid in dollars at a rate of 225 rupees per dollar on the day of the draft, which is causing a significant financial burden for the teams. The report quoted a team official as saying that was no logical reason for paying Pakistan players in dollars.
In order to ease the pressure on themselves, the franchise owners have spoken to the head of the PCB management committee Najam Sethi. However, the PCB management and the franchises are yet to reach a conclusion.
In 2021, except for foreign cricketers and production, other payments were made in rupees. However, the PCB changed their decision in 2022, making it compulsory for the franchises to pay the Pakistani players in dollars.
“The rate has exceeded 262 till yesterday, the PSL franchises are obliged to pay the players in dollars, this year the rate will be 225 on the day of the draft on December 15, a team official said in this regard.
“Foreign players are understandable, if Pakistani cricketers are paid in dollars, there is no logic. Last year we told the board a lot but they did not agree. However, it is the PCB’s job to resolve this issue. This year our expenses will increase by 30% due to the dollar,” added the official.
The eighth edition of the PSL is set to begin on February 13 in Multan. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will lock horns against Multan Sultans in the tournament-opener. The franchises and the PCB management will be hoping that the issue is resolved before the tournament begins.