PSL broadcast rights bidding faces unexpected two-week delay

In a recent turn of events, the eagerly awaited bidding process for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) broadcast and media rights has hit a two-week snag, pushing it into the early days of January. This revelation has sparked concerns among cricket enthusiasts as the ninth season of the league is set to kick off just a month after the anticipated conclusion of the bidding process.

The delay has been attributed to the current interim Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) administration, which operates under strict government directives, limiting its decision-making authority to day-to-day affairs and the organization of imminent board elections. Zaka Ashraf, the current PCB chief, faced this hurdle head-on during a recent meeting with the interim Prime Minister and PCB patron in Islamabad. The government restated that elections and daily affairs took precedence over financial and contractual decisions.

"The Prime Minister/Patron PCB directed PCB that all decisions having financial and contractual implications shall only be taken with the approval of Prime Minister/Patron PCB. Any appointment or awards of rights or contracts of any sort will be violation of the directions of Patron PCB," reads a note from the Ministry for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) to Ashraf as claimed by ESPNCricinfo.

Broadcast bidding rights process expected to take place for PSL 2024 and 2025 seasons

Technical bids for the broadcast were initially due on December 22, but the recent government directive prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board to inform potential bidders of the delay. The PSL's broadcast rights have historically been a key revenue stream for the PCB, fetching a significant USD 24 million for the previous two seasons. The upcoming deal is expected to cover the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with many sports channels forming an association eyeing the bidding process.

Despite the recent draft for the ninth season, a finalized schedule is yet to emerge. Complications arise due to nationwide elections scheduled for February 8, with the current administration's tenure concluding on February 4. While there have been murmurs of relocating the season to the UAE, the consensus leans towards hosting it in Pakistan.

The involvement of the state in approving broadcast deals signifies the administrative quagmire currently gripping Pakistan's cricketing landscape. The interim administration's limited authority has hindered the removal of previous team management, leaving the board in a state of flux. With Ashraf's tenure ending soon, the post-election scenario could show in a new PCB administration, potentially leading to further changes and upheaval in the cricketing structure.