Salary cap becomes hurdle for PSL teams while signing unsold players in IPL auctions

Last update:December 14, 2024, 2:24 p.m. IST

The PSL 10, which will be held from April 8 to May 19, clashes with the IPL this time and teams are keen to sign players such as David Warner and Steve Smith, who failed to find buyers in the IPL auction.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and franchise owners of the Pakistan Super League are facing a no-win situation over the signing of some of the high-profile foreign players who were not sold in the recent auction of the Indian Premier League.

The PSL 10, which will be held from April 8 to May 19, clashes with the IPL this time and teams are keen to sign players such as David Warner and Steve Smith, who failed to find buyers in the IPL auction.

A team source told PTI that while the six franchise owners were keen to sign some of the high-profile players available after the IPL auction, the salary cap of USD 200,000 for players in the draft PSL players had made the situation difficult.

Big names like David Warner, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow. Adil Rashid, etc. would be free from any international commitments as the April-May window is reserved for the IPL.

“But the problem is that the player draft scheduled for January 11 is starting to fall short in finding a formula to recruit high-level players and also ensure that a feeling of disparity does not develop between players in the PSL,” said a source.

He explained that the PCB and franchise owners were aware that most of the premier players unsold during the IPL were unlikely to sign for less than USD 200,000.

“New PSL CEO Salman Naseer even suggested that franchise owners speak directly to players’ agents so that the PCB is not involved in the negotiations.”

The source said some franchise owners were reluctant to pay players anything above the PSL salary cap and were also concerned that even if a franchise directly signed a top player with a higher salary, it could result in the discontent of other players, especially the league’s locals.

Another franchise source said that some of the agents of these unsold players during the IPL have already contacted some franchises to inquire about potential deals.

“Some franchises also oppose bypassing the draft and insist that all major players should be part of it.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)