Mohsin Naqvi Jay Shah for PSL. Image Credits: AFP
Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman, tried to create an unreal hype around PSL to directly challenge the dominance of the IPL. This comes while both leagues are running simultaneously in 2026.
The PSL 2026 season is running behind closed doors at just two venues this year due to the fuel crisis in Pakistan. On the other hand, the IPL 2026 season is running in full force, across different states, with crowds enjoying the carnival.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi creates unreal hype for the PSL over the IPL
Mohsin Naqvi recently held an 82nd BoG meeting to audit the financial statements of PCB at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. After the meeting, he addressed the press and claimed that PSL is the best market for investment.
He claimed that the PSL is growing and will soon be the world's biggest franchise league. This statement is a direct challenge to the IPL, as the latter is the world’s best and most competitive league.
According to Naqvi, the PSL will soon take over the IPL because it recently conducted a player auction, expanded to 8 teams and approved Saudi Arabian collaboration, which will bring foreign investment.
However, the reality is far different from what Mohsin Naqvi is trying to sell to Pakistani media and fans.
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PSL is no match to IPL
Despite the hype around the PSL, the league is still dealing with serious financial limitations and structural issues. Compared to IPL ($6+ billion), PSL’s media rights are sold at $93 million.
While IPL’s annual revenue is around $1 billion+, PSL is still struggling at $50-60 million.
Also, in prize money, IPL is miles ahead. While IPL title winners get a ₹20 crore cheque, PSL winners are paid ₹4.2 crore, which is nowhere close.
PSL’s revenue model is also flawed because PCB asks for fees in USD while the revenue is generated in PKR. The massive gap in currency value is leading to heavy losses to the franchises.
Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen Khan tried to raise this issue publicly. However, he was silenced by PCB and subsequently decided to exit PSL.
PSL 2026 has already been hit with controversies
As for the PSL 2026 season, the tournament has made headlines for controversies rather than actual cricket. First, Lahore Qalandars were penalised 5 runs in a crucial match over ball-tampering allegations.
Fakhar Zaman was eventually found guilty and received a 2-match ban. Secondly, Shaheen Afridi and Sikandar Raza were accused of bringing unauthorised visitors into the team hotel.
Police called it a serious breach, and Afridi was later fined for breaching the player code of conduct.
Naseem Shah was also fined heavily for a controversial special media post, criticising politician Maryam Nawaz. He questioned her star treatment but later claimed his management posted it without his knowledge.
However, PCB didn’t take the issue lightly and fined Naseem PKR 20 million, the highest ever in Pakistan cricket history.
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