Disagreement erupts between PCB and PSL franchises with Pakistan Junior League announcement

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have portrayed their will to protest against the Pakistan Junior League (PJL) in an implied way. Three of them have expressed their interest. 

There are now franchises in the PSL playing on both sides of the wicket after three franchises expressed an interest in purchasing teams in the PJL.

Before this, franchises had termed it as a threat to PSL and agreed to record protests, but now it can be comprehended that the owners are not on the same page. On Friday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it would hold the inaugural season of the junior league in Lahore, from October 1 to 15, where six teams will participate. 

Recently, PSL launched an advertisement of interest in this regard. The franchises had expressed concern over the event and termed it as detrimental to their tournament performance. 

They thought that this could eventually lead to difficulties in obtaining sponsorship. Also, the performance of the young cricketers might also be negatively affected.

The owners were upset since they were not shown confidence by the board, and they were assured to be informed soon. 

The team owners and representatives conducted a virtual meeting where they discussed potential issues and brooded over the fact that if other parties come forward and buy teams, it may affect their brand in future substantially. 

According to them, the franchisees themselves are confused. They hinted at recording a protest against the PJL, but on the other hand, at least three expressed their interest.

While talking to a correspondent, one of the team officials told the reason for submitting an expression of interest.

"We are definitely not happy with the PJL. The reason for submitting an expression of interest is that we do not want other parties to come and buy teams as it can affect us in future. Before PJL, a private league took away two of our sponsors, and it could happen again."

"The fact is that the submission of interest does not mean that we are necessarily buying a team. We just wanted to be part of the race. In a hurry, announcements like Pathway Cricket Programme and Junior League have been made to show his importance," an official said.

Another team official pointed out that since Ramiz Raja's position as PCB Chairman is in danger after the change of government and the Prime Minister. Therefore, he has been announcing things in a hurry to prove his worth.

"What is being said about the Junior League is that there will be a PSL-style draft, but how will the players be divided into categories like Platinum, Gold? We fear that relatives of sponsors and other dignitaries could also be seen playing in the league. No one knows the cost and revenue of the event yet, so this announcement seems like a marketing ploy," he added.

Speaking about the number of bids received, he stated, "Only one bid was received for the title sponsorship of PSL, and it would be a great challenge for the board to bring big companies for the PJL."

In an expression of interest form available to this correspondent, it has been clarified that the names of the teams will be different from the PSL. PCB has asked parties to reveal the name of the cities they are interested in to obtain franchise rights.