Ali Jahangir Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, has voiced his frustration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the coto hold the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 draft in Gwadar. Tareen claimed that the venue selection was made without consulting the franchise owners, calling the process rushed and lacking proper communication.
The Announcement and Confusion
Tareen revealed that the franchise owners first learned about the Gwadar draft location through the official PSL WhatsApp group. He recalled, “One day, we received a message in the PSL WhatsApp group saying that this year, the PSL draft will be in Gwadar.” When a franchise owner questioned whether the decision was final, the response was simply, “Final, brother.” Tareen said he was taken aback, as previous discussions had centered around London and Dubai. “We were discussing London and Dubai, and then we received the message: ‘Gwadar final, brother,'” he added.
Concerns Over Travel and Insurance Issues
Tareen also raised concerns about the potential complications for overseas players and coaches regarding travel and insurance. He explained, “I asked, ‘Please explain, on what basis have you made this decision to go to Gwadar? Have you asked anyone if our overseas players and coaches will be able to come?'” He highlighted that Balochistan’s travel policy conflicted with UK guidelines, making it difficult for foreign players to secure travel insurance. “Officially, Balochistan is against the travel policy in the UK, so they won’t get travel insurance,” Tareen explained. Despite his concerns, he received little response, and the venue was ultimately moved to Lahore.
Gwadar Draft Announcement and Rescheduling
The PCB officially announced Gwadar as the venue for the PSL 10 draft on December 20, 2024, marking a historic first for the tournament. However, due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the event was rescheduled to take place at Huzoori Bagh, Lahore Fort, on January 13, 2025.
PCB’s Response and Stance
Responding to the criticism, PSL CEO Salman Nasir addressed Tareen’s comments in an appearance on SAMAA Digital’s program “Zor Ka Jor.” Nasir emphasized the PCB’s role as the governing body, acknowledging that disagreements can arise but should be handled internally. He refrained from commenting specifically on Tareen’s remarks but noted that all PSL franchises are valuable and unique. He also reassured fans that this season’s format would be exciting, with 510 players from 19 countries, including players from Australia and the West Indies, registering for the draft. “This will be the best season yet, with many players making their debut in the PSL, including David Warner, Tim Southee, and Darrell Mitchell,” Nasir added.
Final Update on PSL 10 Draft
The PSL 10 Player Draft will now take place on January 13, 2025, at the iconic Huzoori Bagh, Lahore Fort, starting at 12:30 PM PKT. The rescheduled event will be followed by the HBL PSL 2025 Trophy Tour, with Gwadar being featured as a key stop during its route across Pakistan in March.
Exciting Times for PSL 2025
The 10th edition of the PSL is scheduled to run from April 8 to May 19, 2025. The Player Draft will see the six franchises selecting their star-studded squads for what promises to be an exciting season.