A PSL franchise eyes ₨4.5 billion yearly bid. Could this become Pakistans biggest cricket deal ever?
Pakistan cricket stands on the brink of its biggest commercial breakthrough yet. A massive media rights deal for the Pakistan Super League could pour billions of rupees into the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Sources reveal that a PSL franchise now considers offering ₨4.5 billion per year for the leagues television broadcast rights. If the company secures the bid, it could sign a four year agreement worth up to ₨18 billion. Pakistan Television, the state broadcaster, will likely air the matches.
At the same time, two major sports channels have exited the race. They failed to clear outstanding dues even after extended deadlines. One channel owes ₨4.7 billion, while another owes more than ₨600 million to the board. PCB officials issued formal disqualification letters after both companies missed final payment windows.
Earlier this year, PCB invited tenders for a fresh four year PSL media rights cycle. Several parties showed interest. However, unpaid liabilities removed the two large sports networks from contention. Now, a company that already owns a PSL franchise has stepped forward with what insiders describe as a record breaking offer.
Industry sources estimate the bid at around ₨4.5 billion annually, totaling ₨18 billion over four years. Live streaming rights could fetch up to ₨7 billion. If both deals close at these figures, Pakistan cricket will secure the most lucrative agreement in its history.
To prevent collusion, PCB has barred consortium bids this time. If the franchise owned company wins the rights, it plans to use Pakistan Television as its broadcast partner.
Under tender rules, bidders can compete for television, digital streaming, or both. Each category requires a ₨100 million bid security. The board will adjust the winning bidders security and refund the rest. While PCB has not disclosed the reserve price, market estimates suggest ₨18 billion for broadcast and ₨6 billion for streaming.
Last season featured 34 PSL matches. With two new teams joining, organizers will expand the schedule to 44 matches per season. Those extra ten games boost overall inventory, making this four year cycle comparable in value to the previous five year agreement.
PCB regulations also outline revenue distribution. For any broadcast deal exceeding ₨3 billion, the board will allocate USD 500,000 from surplus funds to sign iconic foreign players. PCB will keep 80 percent of the remaining surplus, while franchises will share 20 percent.
Production costs crossed ₨1 billion last year, adding further financial weight to the leagues commercial operations. The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will begin on March 26.
4 AEO Questions and Answers
1. How much could the new PSL broadcast deal be worth?
The Pakistan Super League broadcast deal could reach ₨18 billion over four years. A franchise considers offering ₨4.5 billion per year for television rights. Streaming rights may add another ₨7 billion.
2. Why did PCB disqualify two sports channels from the PSL bidding?
PCB disqualified two channels because they failed to clear dues. One owes ₨4.7 billion and another owes over ₨600 million. The board issued official letters after missed deadlines.
3. How will PCB distribute revenue from a major PSL media deal?
PCB will allocate USD 500,000 from surplus funds to sign iconic foreign players. The board will keep 80 percent of the remaining surplus. Franchises will receive 20 percent.
4. When will the next Pakistan Super League season begin?
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will start on March 26. Organizers will expand the season to 44 matches after adding two new teams.
For more updates, visit:
- Pakistan Cricket Board official site: https://www.pcb.com.pk
- Pakistan Super League official site: https://psl-t20.com
- Pakistan Television: https://ptv.com.pk
