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'We'll see who goes to play IPL': PCB chief Ramiz Raja hints big change ‘to elevate the concept of PSL’
Raja believes PSL can play a major role in generating revenue, which in return will also increase the reputation of the country.
Taking inspiration from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan cricket boss Ramiz Raja is keen on bringing major changes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which he feels would aid in generating larger revenue. Speaking to media persons at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman said it is time to “elevate the concept of PSL” and introduce the auction system rather than the ongoing draft system, which has been in function since the inception of the league.
Raja believes PSL can play a major role in generating revenue, which in return will also increase the reputation of the country. The former Pakistan cricketer feels if everything falls in place PSL will emerge as one of the main competitors of IPL, claiming that many cricketers would prefer taking part in the Pakistan T20 league than the latter.
"We need to create new properties to be financially independent. We have nothing for now but the PSL and ICC funds. There's an argument over the model from next year; I want to switch it to an auction model from next year," Raja was quoted as saying in a report on ESPNCricinfo.
"The market forces are conducive, but we'll sit down with the franchise owners to discuss it. This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I'll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL," he further explained.
However, we are yet to see how the PSL franchise owners react to Raja's ambitious vision. PSL up till now has been played over a draft system, which allows a comparatively financially weaker franchise to assemble a squad with almost equal strength as others.
With the draft system in place, all six franchises of PSL have won the tournament at least once in the seven seasons that have been played so far.
Ramiz also mentioned that PCB was mulling to hold matches in multiple venues in the latest edition, instead of playing at just two. He further hinted that the league might adopt a home-away structure from next year.
“We want the PSL to be on a home and away basis from next year. The gate money will be excellent, and we want to elevate the concept of the PSL.”
"Every side's purse will increase, and if they want to improve they'll have to spend money. When you go from a draft system to this, the world's talent suddenly becomes available to you. I've spoken to a couple of the franchise owners; they're quite happy to experiment with this. I'll talk to the others, too. It's in the embryonic stages, but it's top of my wish list," he further stated.
