LAHORE – May 18, 2016: Apropos of a news story published in Dawn today (May 18, 2016) under the title, “Frenchises prevent entry of sixth team in PSL”, datelined Lahore and accredited to sports reporter, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)/PSL Council would like to set the record straight.
The Dawn report acknowledges that PSL has earned $2.6 million from its first edition, but mentions, quoting unnamed sources, that profits could have been higher had “a good number of joyriders” not “stayed in the UAE on PSL expenses”.
Then fact is that no joyriders were entertained The three top PCB officials (Chairman, Chairman Executive Committee and the COO) between them spent a total of nine days combined for the launch and closing of the inaugural PSL. (The Chairman and COO attended the PSL opening ceremony while they were in the UAE for the ICC meetings at the global body’s invitation). Only two members from the Board of Governors attended the closing, and just return fare along with three days of daily allowance was provided to them. Not a single politician or government functionary from the civilian or uniformed forces either requested or was sent over on PCB expense to witness the PSL.
A media contingent covering the entire spectrum of print and electronic outlets was, of course, sponsored but it was limited only to economy class fare and a minimal subsistence allowance. The domestic media was sponsored in order to achieve maximum coverage of a grand national event as part of the PSL's financial plan and budget.
