HBL PSL franchises demand perpetual rights for teams

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The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) owners are expected to meet the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani to convey their grievances on Monday. The meeting which will take place in Lahore is expected to be a heated affair.

The franchises are expected to request indefinite rights to their respective teams. The current deal grants them the rights for a 10 year period.

Owners argue that they are building up their respective brands and if for some reason their contracts are not renewed, all their hard work will go to waste.

The PCB seems to agree with the principle of this request. The Managing Director (MD) of the PCB Wasim Khan in a recent interview suggested giving the rights of the PSL franchises for at least 30 to 40 years.

According to sources, the franchises are angry after reports of special treatment for Multan Sultans by the PCB emerged. A nine point agenda has been prepared for the meeting.

The franchises have been vocal about the fact that their grievances are not addressed by the PCB. The PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani has therefore invited the franchise owners so that their concerns can be addressed.

The meeting is expected to start from 2 pm and go on till 5 pm. Other PCB officials will also be present with the chairman.

A fixed dollar rate, like the one fixed for the title sponsors, is also part of the agenda. Fixing the dollar rate would result in increased revenues for the franchises.

Meanwhile gate money being given to the franchises will also be discussed. Currently franchises receive 50 per cent of the share from gate money. Some owners think this is not right. Host franchises should receive the complete amount earned through it.

The board has already announced to hold all matches in Pakistan. However the franchises believe international cricketers will not come to Pakistan for the entire league therefore they will request that half the matches be played in the UAE.

Foreign cricketers refuse to play entire HBL PSL in Pakistan

The franchises understand that foreign players are paid in dollars but they will inquire why local players are paid in dollars as well. They believe the local players should be paid in Pakistani rupees (PKR).

The franchises will also request the inclusion of their respective Director Cricket Operations (DCOs) in an advisory role when deciding the player categories for the draft.

Another concern for the franchises is the elimination of bank guarantees. The franchise owners will request the board for an increase in the central pool revenue. They expect the broadcasting share to be increased from 80 per cent to 85 or 90 per cent.