‘Entire season of HBL PSL in Pakistan is not practical’

The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises are reluctant to the idea of holding entire season five of the tournament in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani has invited team owners for a meeting next week on Monday in Lahore, in order to address their concerns.

Franchises were worried by the lack of communication from the PCB since the fourth edition of HBL PSL. Owners also have reservations on several other issues, like bank guarantee, which they want to discuss with the board.

HBL PSL5 likely to begin from February 20

According to sources, some franchises have decided to recommend holding half season of next year’s HBL PSL5 in United Arab Emirates (UAE), since they feel that it is currently not feasible to hold the entire edition in Pakistan.

Franchises believe it will be difficult to convince foreign players to stay in Pakistan for a longer period of time. They also think that lack of foreign participation can also diminish the interest of fans in the league.

However, the PCB chairman is unlikely to accept any such recommendation. Mani, on the instructions of PCB Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan, had already announced that the entire season of next year’s HBL PSL will take place in Pakistan. Board officials have already started preparations and have prepared a list of venues, where the matches would be held.