New PSL owner challenges existing franchises over losses and players’ fees

The owner of the Pakistan Super League's newest franchise, Hyderabad Kingsmen, has challenged existing team owners over their complaints about the league, telling them to stop portraying themselves as victims.

KARACHI: The owner of the Pakistan Super League’s newest franchise, Hyderabad Kingsmen, has challenged existing team owners over their complaints about the league, telling them to stop portraying themselves as victims.

Fawad Sarwar made the remarks during a recent meeting of the PSL Governing Council in London attended by Pakistan Cricket Board officials and franchise owners, according to sources.

“You did not do anyone a favour by buying a team. You invested money, but you also earned from it and gained publicity,” Sarwar told the franchise owners.

The remarks came after one of the owners made a sarcastic comment during the meeting, prompting Sarwar to strongly criticise the existing franchise owners.

“You people are always trying to portray yourselves as victims. You did not do anyone a favour by buying a PSL franchise. A significant portion of the amount you have paid over 10 years is an amount that we have already paid in a single year,” he said.

“If you are still making losses after all these years, then look for the reasons and explore opportunities abroad as well. You can find sponsors there too. Do not keep reminding everyone of the favour you think you have done,” he added.

Sarwar also told PCB officials that people associated with national cricket should be taught how to communicate appropriately, saying their behaviour gave a bad reputation to the country.

Despite Sarwar’s remarks, the other franchise owners remained silent, with no one interrupting him or attempting to offer an explanation. Board officials also did not intervene, according to the sources.

During the meeting, one franchise owner argued that Pakistani players had performed so poorly that there was little justification for paying them high fees.

The owner urged the PCB to consider the issue and review players’ fees ahead of the next edition of the PSL.