Government imposes new conditions on PSL franchises
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The Information Ministry has recommended to the cricket board, national T20 cricket league franchises, club cricket, and TV channels to end all agreements with surrogate companies, as part of the government's efforts to curb advertising by gambling companies.
In a statement shared by PTV News on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, the ministry emphasized that these surrogate companies have a negative impact on Pakistan's economy.
This development follows concerns raised by journalists and sports experts several months ago regarding the association of some Pakistan Super League teams with surrogate companies, which were allegedly linked to betting activities.
During the last edition of the PSL, five new companies - 1XBAT, MCW Sports, Wolf777News, BJ Sports, and MelBat - became sponsors for the franchise teams. Additionally, DafaNews was one of the sponsors for PSL season eight.
The ministry has advised PCB, PSL franchises, club cricket, TV channels, radio broadcasters, internet platforms, newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets to refrain from entering into agreements with these companies.
They have also instructed all relevant parties to terminate existing contracts with surrogate companies.
