Najam Sethi announces details in a crowded Press Conference
LAHORE – 26thAugust 2015 – Pakistan Cricket Board announced Doha, Qatar, as the venue for the first edition of the Pakistan Super League, slated to take place from 4th to 24th February 2016. Mr. Najam Sethi, Chairman of the PSL Governing Council and the PCB Executive Committee, made this announcement in a press conference here at the Gaddafi Stadium.
“The wait is now over and we are here to tell you of our intent to stage the PSL. The way we see it, PSL is not just about cricket. It is a unique blend of entertainment and cricket which will be the most exciting Pakistani product,” said Mr. Sethi.
After extensive negotiations with various stakeholders, the PSL Governing Council has decided to lock Doha as its preferred location for the tournament. The 5-team tournament will take place in February next year with a total of 24 matches scheduled to take place in the first edition. “We are starting with 5 teams in order to build the value of our franchises and we will expand the number of teams in the coming editions,” said Mr. Sethi.
Top foreign players from all test-playing nations except India have expressed interest in signing up for the PSL. As of now, the PSL team has consent from over 40 international players. In addition, top foreign coaches are also being roped in for the first edition of the PSL. The tournament will carry collective prize money of up to $ 1 million.
Mr. Najam Sethi also informed the press about the interest of potential commercial stakeholders in the league. “I can confirm that a number of parties are currently talking to us and are interested in picking up the franchises. Similarly, we have great interest being shown from broadcasters and sponsors,” stated Mr. Sethi.
In line with the tournament commercial plan, rights for broadcast, sponsorship, and franchise ownership will be sold over the next three months. With the event venue locked, the formal PSL launch will take place in Lahore in the third week of September.
