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The management of the Pakistan Super League has arranged its games to start one hour after the Indian Premier League games in an effort to reduce direct airtime conflicts. In a podcast, PSL CEO Salman Naseer stated that PSL games will start at 8:00 p.m., one hour after the IPL games start at 7 p.m. On Friday, April 11, the PSL will get underway in Rawalpindi. This is the first time the two leagues have clashed during the same window since their inception. According to Naseer, the congested calendar earlier this year forced them to arrange the PSL during the April–May window.
"It is not an ideal situation but we are confident that the PSL has its own fan base and will attract the usual eyeballs," Naseer said.
"The PSL has always produced quality competitive cricket and this year also we should see the same and cricket fans anywhere, at the end of the day, just want to see competitive, entertaining matches," he said.
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Since the PSL was in its tenth year, he said, several new features have been incorporated to improve the broadcast quality. One benefit of holding the PSL within the same time as the IPL, according to Naseer, is that the teams were able to sign several well-known international players who were not sold at the IPL auction. Additionally, he stated that interested parties have contacted the PSL regarding the purchase of two new teams that would be added to the competition by the following year.
When asked about the tense relationship between some club owners and the PSL management—some of whom had publicly criticized the PCB for how it managed the league—Naseer responded that it was improper for anyone to openly air grievances.
"Look, we would think that all franchises have benefited from their association with the PSL over the years. But we also feel that instead of going public it would be best if they spoke and communicated to us directly on any issues they might have."
According to Naseer, all franchise owners have the option to accept the PCB offer or decline, and they will all get updated fees for the ensuing ten years.
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