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According to reports this amount is almost the same as last time, but this money does not come directly into the account of the franchises. From this, players' fees, staff salaries, hotel bookings, travel, ground staff costs, and many other expenses are first deducted. What remains after these expenses is the actual profit of the franchise. Apart from this, every team also earns from their respective sponsorship deals. Due to these deals, some teams make profits, while some teams have to bear losses.
Talking about Multan Sultans, this franchise pays the most expensive franchise fee – more than Rs 1 billion. As such, they are continuously incurring losses. According to sources, the team is still waiting for 50% of their amount from July 5. The final accounts are being analysed, and there is a possibility of some changes in them.
In PSL, players are paid in two parts. 70% of the amount is given during the tournament, while the remaining 30% is given after the tournament. PCB themselves make these payments. After the tournament ends, the franchises send a complete account of their expenses and dues to the board. It is clear in this how much money is to be paid to which player.
If a player is out of the match due to injury, he gets 50% of the amount. On the other hand, if someone does not get a chance to play in the entire tournament, then only 20% of the amount is given. However, some franchises do not apply such deductions. Many teams also run a bonus system, where the 'Man of the Match' award is distributed among all the players. Apart from this, some teams also give individual bonuses from their side.
The biggest challenge for the board is to recover the outstanding amount from some stakeholders. Some franchises submitted their final accounts late, due to which the remaining 30% of the players' money is being delayed. However, PCB says that all pending payments will be settled soon, but this delay can give rise to a crisis of trust between the players and the franchises.
Questions have also started being raised about the operation of PSL. The new COO, Salman Naseer, is currently working with a team of only two people. He also recently took charge of the Asia Cup, due to which his attention was diverted from PSL. Surprisingly, an officer appointed temporarily has been made permanent, which has made some franchises uncomfortable.
The resignation of Player Acquisition Manager Shoaib Khalid has further aggravated the problem. Shoaib was known for his good rapport with the players. Now, a capable person is being searched for his position. All the processes related to the players' contracts, bonuses and payments were his responsibility, so his departure is a big shock.
Many issues regarding the next season are unresolved. First of all, let's talk about sponsorship deals - no new big deal has been announced yet. The situation is also not clear on media rights. Changes in the valuation of some franchises are possible, and at the same time, there is talk of reviewing the franchise fee.
An important issue is the addition of two new franchises. This will make the league even bigger., but no formal announcement has been made regarding this. In such a situation, there is uncertainty on when and how PSL 11 will be held.
PSL's media rights are also up for bidding again. In the last few seasons, the board and broadcasters have benefited a lot from the broadcast rights. However, due to the current uncertainties, there is doubt over new rights deals. There is a challenge to strike a balance between digital platforms and TV channels, and every franchise wants their brand value to remain.
PSL's franchise model has also come under pressure now. With Multan Sultans' continuous losses, questions are being raised about whether this model is sustainable for all teams. A franchise's loss can affect its long-term future. Some analysts believe that the board should review the franchise fee so that there is an economic balance between all the teams.
PSL is a big platform for the players. However, late payments and ambiguity in the contract can affect the mentality of the players. Both domestic and foreign players expect transparency from the board and the franchises. If the situation remains the same in the coming seasons, many famous players may distance themselves from the league.
PSL has now crossed a decade. It will not be right to consider it as just a T20 league; it has become the face of Pakistan cricket. In such a situation, the board need to think deeply about every aspect of their operation. Whether it is about sponsorship or player contracts, every step should be transparent and timely.
Salman Naseer should build a solid team, which focuses only on PSL. Also, important positions like Player Acquisition should be handed over to trustworthy hands as soon as possible.
The math of earnings and expenditure of PSL 10 is not straightforward. On one hand, while some teams are in profit, teams like Multan Sultans are in loss. Failure to pay players on time and administrative sluggishness can affect the credibility of the league. The next season is near, but no date has been decided yet. If the board and franchises do not work together, the shine of the league may fade. If PSL has to be given momentum again, then accountability and professional attitude are needed at every level.
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