Pakistan Super League teams given gag order, threatened to not speak against PCB officials

The PCB was forced to introduce a new Code of Conduct for the PSL teams after a franchise official criticised ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja earlier

In yet another high-handed move, the Pakistan Super League franchises have been asked to sign a new Code of Conduct which prohibits them from making any remarks on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials. The move comes after a PSL team official had criticized ex-chairman Ramiz Raja in the past, forcing the latter to demand a new code of conduct. The PSL teams are already unhappy with the PCB over multiple issues, including delay in receiving their share of revenue, scheduling of the league among other issues.

PSL teams handed new threat by PCB

As per Cricket Pakistan, the PCB handed the new Code of Conduct to the franchises, forcing them to sign it at the earliest. The move comes despite the teams expressing their displeasure. The PSL teams were asked to study it in detail and even refer to lawyers if needed, at a debate that took place last week. However, drama ensued at the meeting as well.

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What does the new code for PSL teams say?

The report states that while one board official allowed the franchises to take some time to decide on the matter, another official intervened and suggested that not two but one week was sufficient for the teams to make up their minds. The Code of Conduct includes prohibitions and fines for violations. No team can make any remarks over PCB officials, as per the new rules. The franchises are very much against the new Code of Conduct.

PSL teams vs PCB

PSL already faces a major hurdle in 2025 as it is set to clash with IPL 2025, thanks to the PCB’s ambitious plans. The PSL franchises aren’t happy about that either and have had multiple rounds of meeting with the board. However, there has been no clarity from the board so far over the matter.

The teams flagged the unavailability of players as a major cause for concern as players prefer to participate in the cash-rich IPL instead of the PSL. While the PCB has maintained that the schedule will jointly be decided by the teams, the franchises have rebutted stating that they were given no choice. A report claimed that while the PCB initially suggested October-November window for PSL 10, it was subsequently denied.

To add more fuel to the fire, England reportedly has rejected Pakistan’s request to host PSL 10 playoffs and finals. It was reported earlier that Pakistan would next ask UAE.