CEO Salman Naseer says the players retention issue will also be discusses during the meeting
KARACHI:
Direct signing, draft, or auction? The HBL Pakistan Super League Governing Council will make the final decision on Friday.
According to CEO Salman Naseer, while some franchises favor five or six player retentions, others are advocating for zero, but the board will make a decision after consulting all stakeholders. He added that the IPL schedule clash will have no impact on the Pakistan Super League.
In an exclusive interview with Tribune, Salman Naseer said that with eight teams now part of the league, the issue of player retention has become even more sensitive.
The existing franchises want to retain five or six players, while most of the new teams prefer no retention.
The board will make a decision after consulting all stakeholders. He added that, and a final decision will be taken in Friday’s Governing Council meeting after hearing all opinions.
On the player acquisition model, Salman said that direct signings, drafts, and auctions are all under consideration.
“Despite ongoing debates on social media, the Governing Council meeting will make the final call,” he clarified.
Speaking about the sale of new teams, Naseer said that the PCB had been in continuous contact with interested parties over the past several weeks.
Before the bidding, there were roadshows, multiple meetings, financial feasibility reviews, and detailed consultations, due to which the board already anticipated that the bidding would go exceptionally high.
“The result was record-breaking, and everyone involved deserves congratulations,” he said.
Regarding foreign investment, Salman Naseer revealed that two groups one from Australia and one from the United States were among the prominent bidders.
However, he clarified that Pakistani investors were not weak, explaining that every bidder has their own financial limit and strategy.
“Some companies chose to wait, some didn’t bid at all, and others placed one or two early bids to assess the situation. Everyone had their own approach,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that investors earning in foreign currency had an advantage, since payments were made in Pakistani rupees.
Discussing the financial prospects of the new franchises, Salman stated that a PSL team is not a banking product where you deposit money and immediately get returns.
“It’s a trophy asset owning a sports team anywhere in the world is considered an honor,” he said.
“One has to invest initially, and profits come over time. Success depends on the owner’s vision, capability, and management skills, and how they utilize this asset.”
The PCB has guaranteed the new teams at least 850 million rupees annually from the central revenue pool for five years.
According to CEO PSL, the real success depends on the owners’ long-term planning and administrative competence.
“The older franchises have already gone through this phase and can guide the new ones. The PCB will also provide full support,” he said.
When asked about the previous owner of Multan Sultans, the temporary management plan for one year, and the eventual sale decision, Salman Naseer responded: “The advertisement has been released. We’re looking toward the future, not the past. If the previous owners return, we’ll talk to them too.”
Regarding the central income pool, he clarified that although franchise fees vary, all bidders were fully aware that profits would be shared equally through the central pool.
“This is neither a sudden nor unclear model — everyone made their decision with full understanding,” he said.
Global expansion
On the global expansion of the PSL, Naseer revealed that discussions have begun with the Australian and American owners about how to connect the PSL to those markets.
“This opens a new avenue of opportunities for the league’s future,” he said.
When asked about last year fewer matches in Karachi, he said that Karachi Kings had five home games last season, and the same number would continue this time.
“Since Hyderabad has joined the league, some of their matches may also be held in Karachi. The aim is to re-engage Karachi’s fans,” he added.
Naseer further said that both Hyderabad and Sialkot now have HBL PSL franchises, and the PCB wants to host home matches in these cities as soon as possible.
“Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s focus is on upgrading stadiums and improving fan experience. Once these venues meet international standards, they’ll become permanent PSL hosts.
Including Faisalabad this year is part of the same policy,” he noted.
Regarding franchise activities, he explained that each team forms its own marketing and development strategy.
“Some remain active throughout the year, while others limit themselves to a few activities,” he said.
“However, this year the PSL has introduced new regulations, including special incentives for champions, runners-up, and franchises contributing significantly to cricket development.”
“With two new teams joining, competition will intensify, and all franchises will have to stay active,” he added.
On the PSL 2026 schedule, Naseer said that both March 23 and March 26 are under consideration.
“Eid holidays, workforce availability, and players’ personal schedules are key factors in the final decision.
March 23 is a national day, and we’re trying to make use of that occasion — otherwise, March 26 is also a strong option,” he said.
When asked about the PSL clashing with the IPL, Naseer said that this will not be a major concern.
“PSL fans prefer to watch their own league. As always, top international players will participate.
Our player acquisition team is actively working to bring the best foreign talent,” he stated.
Finally, Salman Naseer said that the increase in investors from six to eight is proof of PSL’s growing strength.
“Although there are some operational challenges and delays, we’re working on them,” he said.
“The PCB and PSL are closely linked — as you saw during the auction, PCB staff were fully involved.
We work together seamlessly, and there are no issues between us,” he concluded.
