Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have started to play on both sides of the wicket after three franchises showed expression of interest in buying teams in Pakistan Junior League (PJL).
Earlier, franchises had termed it as a threat to PSL and agreed to record protest but now it appears that the owners are not on the same page.
On Friday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced to hold the inaugural PJL in Lahore from October 1 to 15 where six teams will take part.
An advertisement of interest was also issued in this regard recently. The PSL franchises had expressed concern over the event and termed it as detrimental to their tournament. They thought that this could lead to difficulties in obtaining sponsorship. The performance of the young cricketers will also be negatively affected.
The owners were also upset that they were not taken into confidence by the board and they were assured to be informed soon.
According to sources, the franchises themselves are confused. They hinted at recording a protest against the PJL but on the other hand, at least three expressed their interest.
A virtual meeting of the team owners and representatives took place where they discussed potential issues and opined that if other parties come forward and buy teams, it may affect their brand in future.
While talking to this correspondent, a team official told the reason for submitting an expression of interest.
"We are definitely not happy with the PJL. The reason for submitting an expression of interest is that we do not want other parties to come and buy teams as it can affect us in future. Before PJL, a private league took away two of our sponsors and it could happen again."
"The fact is that the submission of interest does not mean that we are necessarily buying a team, we just wanted to be part of the race," he added.
Another team official said that Ramiz Raja's position as PCB Chairman is in danger after the change of government and Prime Minister, therefore, he has been announcing things in a hurry to prove his worth.
"In a hurry, announcements like Pathway Cricket Programme and Junior League have been made to show his importance," an official said.
"What is being said about the Junior League is that there will be a PSL-style draft but how will the players be divided into categories like Platinum, Gold? We fear that relatives of sponsors and other dignitaries could also be seen playing in the league."
"No one knows the cost and revenue of the event yet, so this announcement seems like a marketing ploy," he added.
"Only one bid was received for the title sponsorship of PSL and it would be a great challenge for the board to bring big companies for the PJL," he concluded.
In an expression of interest form available to this correspondent, it has been clarified that the names of the teams will be different from the PSL. PCB has asked parties to reveal the name of the city they are interested to obtain franchise rights.