ISLAMABAD – Rift between PSL franchises, PCB over sponsorship struggles.With the third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) just around thecorner, the franchises are finding it difficult to lock deals with sponsors.
Reliable sources have confirmed that almost all the teams are struggling toget deals inked and time is running out.
“Teams are struggling to meet their target of sponsorship, few have beenable to get secondary logo placement deals, most of them were carried fromprevious editions,” a source privy to the matter told this correspondent.
“There are a few reasons, some are cricketing and some are political,” thesource added.
The reason behind the lukewarm response from sponsors, according tosources, is that there is no hype being initiated from the PSL secretariatabout the event.
“Some potential sponsors have questioned why there is no hype being builtfor the tournament,” mentioned a source privy to the matter.
“Also, the in-stadia share of advertisement to the franchises is verylimited and most of the share is going to the PCB,” the source added.
This correspondent spoke with various stakeholders related to the PSL, andit has been observed that most of the franchises are not happy with the waythe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is dealing with them.
This correspondent has also learnt from various sources that some teamshave requested the PCB for some kind of bail-out package.
“It is true that franchises have contacted PCB, at least one of them hasfor sure, to seek some bailout or financial concessions to overcome heftyexpenses,” the source informed.
Sources further confirmed that despite the losses, at least threefranchises have paid full money to the PCB for season three, while one haspaid only the annual fees and sought time from the PCB to pay $600,000. Twoothers have not paid anything to the PCB yet.
PCB sources, meanwhile, said the board is trying to enforce PSL contractswith franchisees in order to facilitate the third edition of the tournament.
Two franchises are in default, which is creating financial difficulties forthe PCB. As per rules, if they fail to make payments in time, the PCB cantake control of the franchises, the PCB sources added.
PCB chairman Najam Sethi said earlier today the promotion is about to kickoff.
“PSL3 is firmly on track. First match in Dubai on 22nd Feb and Final inKarachi on 25th March. Promo campaign about to kick off,” he tweeted.