PCB steps up recovery drive against PSL stakeholders over unpaid dues

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has intensified efforts to recover outstanding payments linked to the Pakistan Super League, warning defaulters that their contracts could be cancelled if dues are not cleared within the specified timeframe.

Details reported by Express Tribune indicate the PCB had already started the recovery process during the 11th edition of the PSL, which has now concluded. Billions of rupees remain outstanding from different stakeholders. After repeated reminders did not produce the desired result, board officials moved to a stricter enforcement approach.

Notices were recently issued to multiple parties, including some of the league’s earlier franchises, directing them to make payments by April 29. The notices carried a clear warning that failure to comply would lead to termination of contracts. Following the move, several franchises paid their full outstanding amounts.

When officials were asked about the unpaid PKR 400 million due to each franchise, they said franchise fee payments were compulsory under the terms of the agreement. They added:

How can we pay you until we receive payments from other stakeholders?

In previous years, after a portion of the franchise fee was paid, the remaining amount was adjusted through the central revenue pool. This time, however, the PCB has adopted a different method.

For the 10th edition of the PSL, each franchise was supposed to receive PKR 975 million as its share. However, a major stakeholder still owes the PCB PKR 4.7 billion, with a substantial portion of that amount tied to the PSL. The stakeholder has reportedly avoided making the payment while citing financial losses, which has delayed the completion of the accounts.

The same issue also affected the media rights process for the current PSL edition. The PCB did not permit two television channels to take part in bidding for the media rights because of the outstanding payment dispute. However, the new company that later secured the broadcasting rights allowed those channels to air the matches.

After that experience, the PCB has now obtained a bank guarantee from the new media rights holder. The guarantee can be encashed if payment obligations are not met.

The new teams and the new owner of Multan Sultans had already deposited their full franchise fees in advance. As this is their first year, they are not eligible for any share from earlier central revenue pools.

Owners who bought teams at high prices had previously been assured a minimum annual return of PKR 850 million from the central pool for the first five years. However, the final amount payable will only be known once the accounts are fully settled.

Outstanding payments remain central issue

The PCB’s latest move indicates a tougher position on financial compliance among PSL stakeholders as it seeks to close pending accounts and enforce contractual obligations. The recovery campaign began before the end of the latest PSL season and has now expanded through formal notices and deadlines.

At the centre of the issue are unpaid franchise fees, unresolved central pool distributions and a large outstanding amount from a key stakeholder, all of which have affected financial settlements related to the league.