India and Pakistan are in a dispute over the Champions Trophy 2025, with India unilaterally deciding not to participate in Pakistan and preferring a hybrid model under which they demand their matches and the final be shifted to Dubai. Pakistan, who were scheduled to host the tournament, have refused the proposal and the ICC has had to delay an announcement of the schedule.
This venue tussle has carried over to the IPL in 2025, scheduled for April-May, which will clash with the rescheduled Pakistan Super League 2025. The PSL, that takes place every February-March, had been pushed back due to the Champions Trophy.
As concerns rolled in, the PCB made overtures to foreign cricket boards, like the ECB, clarifying player availability for the PSL that was then going to be inconvenienced by the IPL. According to a source in the PCB, “The owners want the PCB to give them clarity on which players would be available for the PSL if the IPL is also being held at the same time and also about broadcasting schedules.
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Franchise owners fear key international players could focus more on the IPL after the November 24-25 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The PCB is also under the pressure to live up to promises such as having an independent PSL secretariat.
Reviewing franchise deals, expanding beyond the present six teams may be on the mind of PCB after the 10th edition of PSL but it couldn’t be forgotten that the PCB is preparing for Champions Trophy and is focused on PSL. Next year’s cricket calendar has only added to the uncertainty.