Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises seem to have hit a roadblock in signing overseas stars due to the $200,000 salary cap. The PSL teams were very much interested ins signing star players who went unsold in IPL 2025 auction for the next edition of the tournament. However, the prospects of signing stars like David Warner, Kane Williamson and others may have taken a hit due to the salary ceiling set by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
PSL teams hit roadblock in signing unsold IPL stars
As per news agency PTI, a source from a PSL franchise informed that while the teams were keen to rope in high-profile overseas players, the salary cap for the PSL draft made it very difficult for the franchises to sign players. The source further claimed that new PSL CEO Salman Naseer had even urged the PSL franchises to directly negotiate with the players to avoid the involvement of the PCB in the process. However, the teams are afraid that the time is running out to find a formula to sign on high-profile players, given that the PSL draft will take place on January 11. “
“The problem is that the players draft scheduled on January 11 time is running out to find a formula to sign on high profile players and also ensure a sense of disparity doesn’t develop among players in the PSL,” said a source.
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What is the problem for PSL teams?
As per the report, some PSL team owners are reluctant to pay players anything above the salary cap. They fear that even if a franchise signs on a high profile player directly at a higher salary it could lead to dissatisfaction among other players specially the local ones in the league.
“Some franchises are also opposing bypassing the draft and insist that all major players should be part of it,” a source added.
Due to tough competition in the IPL, several big names couldn’t attract any bidders at the mega auction in Jeddah. This will open the doors for the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Adil Rashid, Akeal Hosein, Jonny Bairstow, Finn Allen, Keshav Maharaj, Shakib Al Hasan, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Southee.
