HBL PSL franchises slam PCB over ‘double standards’

The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over double standards in financial matters.

According to details, after reports emerged about Multan Sultans franchise fee delay, the franchises are not happy with the special treatment given to the Ali Tareen-led Multan Consortium by the PCB.

The Sultans participated in PSL4 without depositing the complete franchise fee, which is against league rules and regulations. Upon hearing this news, the other franchises were left fuming over PCB’s double standard as they are constantly asked, by the board, to submit bank guarantee for next edition of HBL PSL. The franchises are also of the opinion that the PCB should have publically revealed the details about their agreement with the Sultans.

Multan Sultans participated in HBL PSL4 without depositing franchise fee

Tareen clarified his stance on the issue by stating that the team was bought close to the start of HBL PSL4, which is why PCB asked them to pay a portion of the franchise fee upfront and the remainder after the tournament. He added that the franchise had already given cheques for the remaining amount to the PCB.

The board is yet to offer clarification over whether the Governing Council approved this decision? Have the Sultans submitted bank guarantee for next season? Are the cheques post-dated or current? Can other franchises also benefit from this?    

The PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani will meet franchise owners, in Lahore on Monday, where he is likely to face a lot of stern questions regarding this matter.