HBL PSL 5: Franchise owners get special permission to sit in team’s dugout

The franchise owners of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) have received special permission to sit in the dugouts of their respective teams. However, they have to inform officials beforehand and are than expected to adhere to the decision.

Individuals, which includes owners, officials or players, are not allowed to go into a different enclosure during a match. If the owners chose to sit in the team dugout, they cannot move from that part of the ground for the remainder of the match.

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According to details, the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the Karachi Kings franchise Tariq Wasi was seen using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match. The issue was raised on social media after the act was caught during the live broadcast of the match.

The rules allow the managers of each team the sole authority to use mobile phones for operational purposes. However, the team sheet provided by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had the name of Naveed Rashid as the team manager. Karachi Kings officials later clarified that Wasi was acting as the manager for the team during the match instead of Rashid.

It should be noted that the team owners were not allowed to be present in their respective dugouts during the first three editions of the HBL PSL. This tradition was changed last year.

Some owners have opted to stay in the dugout while others have given preference to boxes. The lack of mobility, if the owners opt for the dugout, is the reason why some owners have opted for boxes. This is being done in order to entertain their respective guests.