The highly anticipated HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 is slated to kick off from February 17 to March 17, 2024, spanning across four vibrant cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
Lahore is proposed to host the electrifying opening ceremony and several matches, while the grand finale is earmarked for Karachi, promising an intense culmination to PSL 9.
Sources close to the organizing body have revealed the intricate challenges in finalizing the schedule, primarily stemming from the inclusion of doubleheaders.
The decision predates Ramadan, yet the cricket board faces hurdles, particularly concerning the Karachi stadium’s lower turnout during single matches. Anticipations suggest the venue might face similar attendance woes during doubleheaders. Discussions persist, aiming to address this concern before promptly releasing the definitive schedule.
Meanwhile, the PSL 9 draft witnessed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) boosting franchises’ budgets by 8 crores rupees. Each team now possesses a formidable 35 crores rupees to strategize their player acquisitions.
Notably, this financial adjustment transpired without seeking input from the team owners, marking a unilateral decision by the PCB.
Interestingly, despite suggestions to renegotiate contracts with Pakistani players in rupees instead of dollars, no substantial action has been taken.
Franchises have opted to abstain from raising objections, wary of potential player dissatisfaction, leading to a status quo on this front.
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