Amid Champions Trophy investments, Pakistan dig deep to pay PSL superstars
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making significant efforts to elevate the Pakistan Super League (PSL) into a global cricketing attraction, allocating an additional ₹83 lakh (USD 100,000) to six elite foreign players. This investment comes despite the PCB already spending heavily on stadium renovations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the PSL clashing with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time, the PCB is determined to attract top international talent, even if it stretches their finances.
Notable players benefiting from this financial boost include David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. For instance, Warner’s contract includes ₹2.49 crore (USD 300,000), with ₹83 lakh contributed by the PCB. Despite these efforts, PSL salaries remain significantly lower than IPL figures; Rishabh Pant’s record IPL salary of ₹27 crore dwarfs the PSL’s highest base salary of ₹1.66 crore (USD 200,000).
The PSL will run from April 17 to May 22, overlapping with the later stages of the IPL. The PCB’s aggressive financial strategy aims to keep the PSL competitive and in the spotlight as it seeks to establish itself as a premier T20 league alongside its Indian counterpart.
The ten foreign players signed by PSL franchises for the upcoming season, including some unsold in the IPL auction.
- David Warner
- Daryl Mitchell
- Kane Williamson
- Finn Allen
- Matthew Short
- Sean Abbott
- NahidRana
- Liton Das
- Michael Bracewell
- Rassie van der Dussen