The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its milestone 10th edition, and a proposal to hold the player draft ceremony abroad has emerged as a key discussion point. According to sources, England and Dubai are the top contenders for hosting this prestigious event.
Why an Overseas Draft?
Franchise representatives believe that hosting the draft overseas could significantly boost the PSL’s global appeal. This suggestion was reportedly put forward during a recent high-level PSL meeting, where officials explored ways to enhance the league’s reputation and viewership on an international scale.
Focus on High-Profile Players
A major emphasis of the meeting was to attract prominent cricket stars to the PSL 10 draft. Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured franchises that it will strive to include renowned cricketers in the draft. The meeting also highlighted the potential inclusion of players who have missed out on Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts.
Franchise owners urged the PCB to:
Provide financial support to secure high-profile players.
Negotiate with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to facilitate the participation of English cricketers.
Challenges with England’s Policy
The ECB’s policy of withholding No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players during its domestic season and The Hundred could pose a hurdle. While the IPL remains an exception to this policy, franchises are pushing the PCB to open dialogue with the ECB to relax restrictions for PSL 10.
Tentative Schedule and Venues
The PCB has proposed a window for PSL 10 from April 7 to May 20, 2025. During the meeting, discussions also revolved around potential venues for the matches. Ensuring a balance between player availability and fan engagement remains a top priority for the organizers.
Conclusion
The idea of hosting the PSL 10 draft abroad reflects the league’s ambition to expand its global footprint. Whether held in England or Dubai, this move could potentially elevate the PSL’s stature in the international cricketing community. With efforts underway to include star players and overcome scheduling challenges, PSL 10 promises to be a landmark event for Pakistani cricket.
