PSL Franchises Agree to Sign Players Directly For PSL 10
A major update regarding the PSL is that all PSL franchises have agreed to directly sign players and include them in their teams. PCB proposed a new idea after holding a meeting with all franchise owners following the IPL draft. During this meeting, it was suggested that franchises should directly approach major players they wish to include in their teams and sign them without going through the draft process.
Note: PSL 10 Draft Registration Opens for All Players
Initially, the Lahore Qalandars franchise objected to this proposal and rejected it. However, according to the latest news, a meeting held on Sunday resulted in all franchises agreeing to directly reach out to top players and include them in their teams.
The benefit of this approach is that if a team secures a deal with a player, that player will immediately become a part of the team without having to go through the PSL 2025 draft. To facilitate this, a new category called the “PSL Marquee Category” has been introduced. Under this category, franchises can offer substantial amounts ranging from $350,000 to $400,000, or even higher, to directly sign players for their teams.
Meanwhile, the ECB has refused to grant NOCs to its players, which means they cannot register themselves for the PSL draft. In response, several prominent English players have expressed frustration and considered legal action against the ECB. This highlights that many players are eager to play in the PSL.
One of the main reasons for this is that players who have already earned significant amounts in the IPL and those who missed out now see the PSL as an opportunity to earn substantial sums. For context, the PSL has now become the second-highest-paying league in the world, after the IPL.
The PCB is determined to elevate the PSL to new heights and is encouraging franchises to offer even higher pay. The PCB is also in direct contact with the ECB to persuade them to grant NOCs so English players can participate in the PSL.
Last month, the ECB issued a press release refusing NOCs for all leagues except the PSL, which many considered unfair. However, the PCB is actively negotiating with the ECB, and it is expected that this year we will see some prominent English players either in the PSL draft or directly signed by franchises.