The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly looking to expand the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by including the United States of America (USA) in its future plans. According to the latest news reports, two American investors have shown interest in acquiring two new teams for the Pakistan Super League.
The Pakistan Super League aims to establish itself as the second largest franchise-based cricket league after the Indian Premier League. Notably, the PSL 2025 season is tentatively scheduled from April 7 to May 20, 2025. It is noteworthy that these dates overlap with the IPL 2025 season.
The PCB cannot hold the upcoming tournament in its normal February-March time slot due to the Champions Trophy and other international commitments in Pakistan. The ICC event will be played between February 19 and March 9. India's matches will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan begins efforts to tap the US cricket market
According to sports journalist Saleem Khaliq, Pakistan is making moves to tap into the US cricket market, with top officials exploring the possibility of adding two new teams to the Pakistan Super League. Khaliq added that the PCB is considering holding future matches in the US.
“Pakistan has begun efforts to tap into the US cricket market, with top officials exploring options during their visit to include two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and host matches in the future. Two Americans are interested in the teams purchase,” Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Several English cricketers sign contracts with Pakistan Super League teams despite the NOC policy
The England Cricket Board (ECB) recently introduced a new No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy. Players are only allowed to play in the Indian Premier League and not any other overseas league that overlaps with the English summer.
However, several English cricketers signed contracts with Pakistan Super League teams last week and are still awaiting clarification from the ECB on whether they will be granted an NOC to participate in the PSL.
The Pakistan Cricket Board introduces a special bonus of $100,000
The Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a special bonus of $100,000 for six high-profile foreign players in the 10th edition of the PSL. This incentive is part of a $1 million fund created to attract top talent and improve the league's global profile.
Australian opener David Warner, who signed a contract worth $300,000, and New Zealand's Kane Williamson are among the players benefiting from the initiative. The bonus comes directly from the PCB's special fund, reducing the financial burden on PSL franchises.
This fund, which was originally established after the league's central broadcasting revenue exceeded 3 billion rupees, had an unused balance last year, which led to its increase to $1 million. PCB's aim is to make the PSL a competitive alternative to other global T20 leagues, especially the IPL.