Reports: PCB might postpone West Indies series in 2024 to avoid clash with PSL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to postpone the home series against West Indies, which is slated to begin in February 2024. The idea behind this move is to create a window for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League, which is scheduled to begin during the same time.

As per reports, the Najam Sethi-led PCB management has also asked the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to adjust the forthcoming edition of the ILT20 (International League T20) to avoid overlapping with the PSL.

Notably, as per ICC’s Future Tour Programmes (FTP), Pakistan are scheduled to host West Indies for two Test matches and three ODIs in early 2024. Reports also suggest that the cricketing governing body in Pakistan also considered sacrificing the home series in order to safeguard PSL but is currently in discussion with several stakeholders to discuss the future of the bilateral series and also of the next edition of the PSL.

Meanwhile, if Pakistan plan to host the series after the completion of the PSL, then a lot of West Indies cricketers may opt-out as it will directly clash with the 17th edition of the IPL. In 2023, when New Zealand travelled to Pakistan during April and May, the same thing happened as a lot of cricketers were unavailable for selection due to the IPL. This may eventually affect their revenue if the star players of the visiting team don’t show up.

On the other hand, as per ESPNcricinfo, PCB are currently planning to strike a deal with the ECB in which they will let the Pakistan players feature in the second edition of the ILT20 if the organising committee plans to wrap up the tournament ten days prior to PSL which is reportedly slated to start on February 12. 

The idea is also to add two more franchises to the tournament, making it an eight-team affair. The finance department is currently exploring the possibilities and the same thing has been conveyed to the other six existing teams. However, there are certain complications that need to get sorted out as it includes the finance distribution model.