The Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) are set to clash as their match schedules overlap, raising concerns among players about where they will be competing.

This year, the PCB has opted to schedule the PSL in April, coinciding with the ICC Champions Trophy and the financially lucrative IPL, leading to a direct competition between the two leagues.

Many renowned players have signed contracts in India due to the financial incentives, which means that apart from a few big names, most players may miss out on the PSL, starting on April 7. Notably, prominent players from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are also expected to prioritize the IPL over the PSL.

PSL has unveiled its [foreign players list for the upcoming 10th season][1], generating excitement among fans eager to see top talent on the field. Key Australian players such as Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, and Daniel Sams are set to participate, alongside England’s Joe Root, Adil Rashid, and Alex Hales. From New Zealand, fans can look forward to Tim Southee and Finn Allen, while South Africa will be represented by Rassie van der Dussen and Tabraiz Shamsi.

The IPL’s broadcasting rights for 2022 to 2027 were sold for an impressive $6.2 billion (approximately Rs1.724 trillion). This lucrative deal, bolstered by partnerships with wealthy Indian businessmen and Bollywood stars, has propelled the IPL’s brand value to around $10.7 billion (approximately Rs2.975 trillion).

In comparison, the PSL has seen growth in its media rights, selling a deal for 2024 and 2025 for Rs6.3 billion. Despite these advancements, the PSL’s brand value is estimated at around $330 million (approximately Rs9.177 billion).

PSL is gearing up for its [highly anticipated 2025 draft,][2] set to take place in the first week of January.

The IPL, which began in 2008, granted franchise owners rights over their teams a decade later, while the six PSL teams remain under the control of the PCB. According to the revenue-sharing model, if any franchise chooses not to renew their agreement after ten years, the PCB retains the right to sell that franchise to another party.

Franchise owners have expressed concerns that, after nine years, they have yet to see significant profits from the league. This is largely due to player salaries being paid in dollars; when the league started, the exchange rate was Rs 106 to one dollar, but it has now risen to over Rs 275.

Each PSL franchise contributes approximately Rs8.75 million to the PCB annually, while the league’s most expensive player, in the platinum category, is compensated around Rs 700 million.

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India’s ongoing refusal to engage in bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan is being perceived as a political move aimed at financially undermining the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This issue has persisted since 2007, but the launch of the PSL in 2016 has helped Pakistan alleviate its financial burdens while showcasing its cricketing talent. The PSL has attracted international stars, earning praise for the PCB’s administrative capabilities.

While foreign players in international leagues in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have reported delays in payment, no such complaints have surfaced during the PSL’s first nine years.