PCB Prepares to Host PSL Player Draft, Eyeing Foreign Stars

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a list of unsold foreign players from IPL franchise owners, with top cricketers like David Warner, Adil Rashid, and Jonny Bairstow included. The board is now planning to hold the PSL players' draft in London or Dubai to elevate the league's profile, mirroring the Indian Premier League (IPL) model.

Sources claim that a meeting will be held this week to finalize the details of the draft, while registration for domestic and foreign players will begin simultaneously. Franchise owners have urged the PCB to hold the draft abroad to improve the league's international image and requested the inclusion of top foreign players, including those who went unsold in the IPL mega auction. To achieve this, the PCB has assured that it will provide financial support to acquire notable overseas cricketers, which is expected to include renowned names like David Warner.

However, this move may be affected by a recent statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which states that it will not issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for English players to participate in overseas leagues during their domestic season. This could potentially impact the participation of English players, such as Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow, in the PSL. Still, the PCB remains optimistic about signing top international talent for the 10th edition, which will be held concurrently with the IPL for the first time.

The PSL draft is scheduled to take place on January 11, 2025, with the tournament itself set to begin in early April and run for four weeks. The new schedule avoids the traditional December-to-March window that previously clashed with other T20 leagues and international cricket, ensuring a clear window for the players to participate without any conflicts with their international commitments.