The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 is set to take place from April 8 to May 19, 2025, as confirmed by official sources. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been proactive in its preparations under the leadership of new CEO Salman Naseer, who has initiated a series of online meetings to ensure smooth planning for the event. Additionally, the player draft is scheduled for January 11, 2025.
One of the key focuses for the PCB is to attract star players, particularly those left unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, concerns have arisen regarding the league’s pay structure, which caps player salaries at $200,000. Both the PCB and some franchises are worried that this salary cap may discourage high-profile international players from joining the PSL.
Also Read: PSL 10 Draft Date Officially Announced
In response, the PCB is considering allowing franchises to negotiate directly with players’ agents, although this was previously rejected by teams. Some agents have already reached out to franchises about potential deals. However, there is resistance from certain teams who believe that all players, including top stars, should be part of the draft to maintain fairness.
If the direct negotiation approach is adopted, it could lead to conflicts between franchises. For example, if one team offers a player $400,000 and another offers $500,000, the player would likely choose the higher bid, which may create dissatisfaction among players who are selected under the salary cap.
Despite these challenges, HBL PSL officials remain optimistic about securing international stars such as David Warner, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Jonny Bairstow for the upcoming season. Additionally, Shoaib Khalid, the PCB’s Manager of Player Acquisition, has resumed part-time duties after initially resigning for academic reasons, and has already reached out to players like Warner to gauge their interest in participating in the league.
As the PSL 10 approaches, both the PCB and the franchises are working to find a balance between attracting top international talent while maintaining fairness for all players, with further updates expected soon.
