LAHORE: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in the PSL’s traditional window (Feb-March) the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday proposed April 7-May 20 as new window for the PSL 10 which has raised many eyebrows among the franchises as this time-frame clashes with the Indian Premier League (IPL).
According to sources, franchises fear that its clash with the IPL could create issues for them to hire the top offshore crop and the league may lose its vitality.
The proposal was floated in the meeting of the PCB with the PSL franchises owners here on Saturday in the build up to their general council meeting.
In the meeting the HBL Pakistan Super League 2024 and the PSL 10 came under discussion.
The PCB praised the franchisees for their support, interest and passion that has continued to contribute to enhancing and strengthening the profile and reputation of the league as one of the most challenging, competitive, and exciting. The franchise owners congratulated the PCB for the excellent delivery of the tournament held from 17 February to 18 March 2024.
The PCB, meanwhile, said that due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window the event window for the 2025 event will be 7 April – 20 May.
Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi will host matches in Pakistan with each side playing, at least, five matches on home ground. “The PCB will continue to explore additional venues,” the Board said.
“Four playoffs proposed to be staged at a neutral venue. Some innovative tweaks and changes in the event playing conditions were explored with an aim to make the HBL PSL 2025 more exciting and competitive, as well as involve, engage, and increase the fan base,” the Board said.
“As always, we had a very exciting and interesting brainstorming session with the franchise owners on the window for HBL Pakistan Super League 2025. The passionate franchise owners provided their all-rounded insight and views on the PCB-recommended window and playoff venues for the 2025 event and beyond,” PCB COO Salman Naseer said.
“At the back of this meeting, and in relation to the most suitable window for HBL PSL 2025 and beyond, the PCB will share further data with the franchise owners so that they can discuss amongst themselves, make a more informed decision and share their ideas and thoughts at the General Council meeting,” he said.