- PSL’s ninth edition faces TV production rights controversy, causing delays and disputes.
- Technical and financial bidding process raises issues, leading to the disqualification and subsequent reinstatement of a key company.
- Despite hurdles, Acting Chairman PCB resolves disputes, ensuring the league’s kickoff on February 17, 2024.
In anticipation of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024), scheduled to kick off in Lahore on February 17, 2024, the cricketing spectacle has already encountered its fair share of challenges. The TV production rights, a crucial aspect of the league’s presentation, were granted after a substantial delay, triggering disputes and controversies within the cricketing community.
The rights were awarded through a competitive bidding process that evaluated both technical and financial criteria. The technical bid held a significant 60% weightage, with the financial bid carrying the remaining 40%. However, the process hit a snag when the company holding the broadcast rights in the technical bid was disqualified, narrowing the competition to just two entities.
All three companies involved expressed dissatisfaction with the marking, prompting appeals to the Grievance Committee. Acting Chairman PCB Shah Khawar intervened to resolve the issue amicably, opting to increase the scores of all parties after a thorough hearing. This resolution resulted in the previously disqualified company being reinstated into the competition.
Interestingly, the company that initially qualified with the lowest bid found itself at a disadvantage due to the emphasis placed on the second-ranked company in the financial bid. The intricacies of the bidding process led to a nearly Rs. 50 million increase in this year’s PSL production cost, now set at Rs. 1.15 billion, with Rs. 1.21 billion earmarked for the following year. Franchises are expected to cover 95% of the production cost.
Throughout the process, objections were raised by both parties, filing complaints with the committee. The top company questioned the oversight of Director Commercial Babar Hamid’s bid committee. PCB, however, asserted that the agreed-upon procedure was diligently followed, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of both technical and financial aspects in the bidding process.
Comparatively, last year’s PSL production cost stood at Rs. 1.169 billion, with franchises covering 95% of the expenses, while PCB shouldering the remaining 5%. As the league inches closer, the resolution of these disputes sets the stage for an exciting and hopefully smoother ninth edition of the PSL.
Also, see:
Confirmed: Shamar Joseph joins PSL 9
