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In what could be a hint of things to come, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Ramiz Raja has pointed out that the Pakistan Super League might part ways with the draft system from the next season. In addition, it could be the auction model, which is used in the Indian Premier League (IPL), that might replace the existing mechanism in Pakistan's domestic T20 competition.
While Raja himself is convinced of the perks of the auction model, he is yet to discuss the idea with the other stakeholders, especially the franchises involved in the competition. He believes that this is just the right time for PSL to make the switch.
"We need to create new properties to be financially independent. We have nothing for now but the PSL and ICC funds. There’s an argument over the model from next year; I want to switch it to an auction model from next year. The market forces are conducive, but we’ll sit down with the franchise owners to discuss it," Raja said while speaking to ESPNCricinfo.
"This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I’ll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we’ll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL," he added.
In addition, the ex-Pakistan cricketer is looking forward to adopting a new home and away structure for the PSL from the next season onwards. This suggests that the tournament matches will be played at more venues unlike PSL 2022 where Lahore and Karachi hosted the entire tournament.
"We want the PSL to be on a home and away basis from next year. The gate money will be excellent, and we want to elevate the concept of the PSL. Every side’s purse will increase, and if they want to improve they’ll have to spend money," the 59-year-old said.
Notably, PSL 2022 profits jumped a whopping 71 percent which is the most since its inception. The proposed changes could further hand a boost to the growth of the tournament.