In a twist that may impact the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, the bidding for broadcast and media rights has been delayed by two weeks, pushing the decision to January. This delay poses a significant challenge, leaving only a month for the ninth season to secure a broadcast deal before it kicks off.
The bids, submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), must undergo approval from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), adding a bureaucratic layer to the process. The interim PCB administration faces limitations due to a government mandate that focuses on day-to-day affairs and election organization.
Zaka Ashraf, the head of PCB, recently met with the interim Prime Minister, where election organization emerged as a top priority. The Prime Minister, who also serves as the Patron of PCB, directed that decisions with financial implications necessitate approval. Any appointments, awards, or contracts without approval violate the Patron’s directives.
Despite the emphasis on election organization, no progress report on the matter has been provided by PCB, leaving a cloud of uncertainty regarding the electoral process within the cricket board.
Technical bids for PSL broadcast, initially due by December 22, faced delays after the Prime Minister’s meeting with Ashraf. The broadcast rights for PSL have historically been a substantial revenue source, with the just-ended two-season deal fetching USD 24 million. The new deal is expected to cover the 2024 and 2025 seasons, attracting interest from local sports channels and potential consortium bids.
While there is speculation about moving the season start to the UAE due to the general nationwide elections in Pakistan from February 8, it has been confirmed that the season will proceed in Pakistan. The administrative limbo in Pakistani cricket, highlighted by state involvement in approving broadcast deals, has also affected team management changes.
Despite replacements for Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn, the previous management hasn’t been officially ousted by the board. With Ashraf’s tenure ending, further upheaval may be on the horizon, contingent on the new government post-elections. The PSL’s future remains uncertain as it navigates through this complex web of administrative challenges.
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