PCB postpones new T20 Super League to give more time to investors, better dates for players

By Rizwan Ali

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan’s first professional Twenty20 league was postponed indefinitely on Friday after complaints from investors over tight bidding deadlines and from players over scheduling conflicts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had scheduled the Super League to run from March 26 to April 6.

“Over 15 potential franchise buyers, around 10 top broadcasters, and various potential sponsors from large business houses have collected the bid documents and shown extremely keen interest in acquiring respective rights,” PSL managing director Salman Sarwar Butt said in a statement. “However, there are several other investors who would like us to give them more time for our various rights.”

PSL organizers were also still trying to get tax exemptions from the government for various commercial bids.

“It seems that finalization of this approval (tax exemption) would take some more time … and the bid process would already be concluded by the time tax exemptions are granted. This could impact upon the valuations done by various bidders,” Butt said.

Butt said more than 80 foreign players, some foreign coaches, umpires and referees had already signed agreements with the PSL.

“Some scheduling conflicts that arose after PSL dates were announced could result in potential star players missing out on the opportunity of participating in the PSL,” the PCB said.

The PSL’s postponement was a setback for the PCB’s hopes of reviving international cricket in Pakistan and convincing foreign players that it’s safe to visit since incoming tours stopped following the deadly attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009 in Lahore.

The PCB said it was looking for new dates for the league.

11:59ET 08-02-13