Sindh Premier League is currently underway in Karachi, with several PCB centrally contracted players including Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir are participating.
Interestingly, the board itself had previously prohibited its contracted players from participating in such leagues. This issue came to light a few years ago when Wasim Khan was the CEO. On July 7, 2021, he had confirmed to PSL franchises via email that no contracted player would participate in such leagues.
When PSL teams expressed concerns about the centrally contracted players participating in SPL, then on October 6, 2023, league commissioner Naila Bhatti informed via email that the management committee had decided that no centrally contracted player would participate in the Sindh league. Players engaged in domestic cricket or PCB duties will also not be available for the event as well.
Additionally, no franchise can use half a name resembling a PSL team’s name. The board will keep an eye on anti-corruption matters, and event timing will also be considered.
However, many claims remain unfulfilled, as several centrally contracted players are still participating in the Sindh Premier League. Due to this, the board has also postponed the final of its departmental first-class President Trophy tournament. Now, the election day has been announced for the final, but it will also need to be changed.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin in less than two weeks. Dissatisfied franchises are intending to protest against this breach of promise to PCB. Players who demand hefty fees in the PSL are currently involved in action in Karachi at lower wages.
