'We’ll See Who Goes To Play IPL Over PSL If...': Ramiz Raja Makes Big Claims

Rameez Raja feels PSL will emerge as one of the main competitors of the IPL, claiming that many cricketers would prefer to take part in the Pakistan T20 league than the IPL.

Ramiz Raja, Pic Courtesy: AFP via Getty Images

New Delhi: Taking inspiration from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja is keen to bring some major changes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

He believes that this will help in earning huge revenue. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman said that it is time to "uplift the concept of PSL" and introduce the auction system instead of the ongoing draft system, ESPNCricinfo reported.

Raja said that PSL can play a major role in generating revenue, which in turn will enhance the prestige of the country. The former Pakistan cricketer feels that if everything goes well, PSL will emerge as one of the main competitors of the IPL, claiming that many cricketers would prefer to take part in the Pakistan T20 league than the IPL.

“We need to create new properties to be financially independent. We have nothing for now but the PSL and ICC funds. There’s an argument over the model from next year; I want to switch it to an auction model from next year. The market forces are conducive, but we’ll sit down with the franchise owners to discuss it,” he said while speaking to ESPNCricinfo.

“This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I’ll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we’ll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL,” the PCB Chairman added.

“We want the PSL to be on a home and away basis from next year. The gate money will be excellent, and we want to elevate the concept of the PSL. Every side’s purse will increase, and if they want to improve they’ll have to spend money.

“When you go from a draft system to this, the world’s talent suddenly becomes available to you. I’ve spoken to a couple of the franchise owners; they’re quite happy to experiment with this. I’ll talk to the others, too. It’s in the embryonic stages, but it’s top of my wish list,” he further added.