PSL 2025 set to clash with IPL
The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is expected to begin on April 10 and will continue until May 25, 2025. This will cause the tournament to overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in February-March. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is shifting the PSL schedule forward by a month, despite concerns about the overlap with IPL.
The PCB faces challenges in shifting the PSL to a different time due to Pakistan’s packed international calendar, which includes a Before the Champions Trophy, there will be a test series against the West Indies, and an ODI tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand. Avoiding a clash with the IPL seems nearly impossible, which could impact the availability of international players, sponsorships, and viewership for the PSL.
PCB plans new retention rule and player salary structure
The PCB is also planning to change its retention rules for PSL 2025. Under the new guidelines, teams will have the opportunity to select players from three new domestic elite tournaments, known as the Champions tournaments. These new competitions will involve five teams and aim to elevate the quality of domestic cricket while providing better financial opportunities for local players.
The restructuring will see 150 domestic cricketers benefit from revised salaries, which will be divided into three categories. Monthly earnings for players in Category 1 will be PKR 550,000, for those in Category 2, PKR 400,000, and for those in Category 3, PKR 250,000. This new pay scale marks a significant increase compared to the previous domestic season.
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PCB aims to nurture domestic talent
The PCB’s plans for the 2025 PSL are not just limited to international cricket; they also aim to improve domestic cricket standards. By introducing the Champions tournaments and increasing player salaries, the board hopes to motivate emerging cricketers to perform at a higher level.
In the previous domestic season, players earned between PKR 50,000 and PKR 300,000 depending on their category. The significant salary boost under the new structure is expected to encourage greater competition and development within Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene.
