PSL 2023: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Lends His Support To PCB With Dispute Against Punjab Government Over Fixture Hosting Negotiations

by CA DeskFebruary 26, 2023

Last Update on: February 26th, 2023 at 06:19 pm

Efforts are underway to resolve the ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the interim Punjab government regarding the security expenses for PSL 2023 matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Both sides have failed to reach an end in their negotiations with PCB denying the Punjab government’s financial demands for hosting the PSL fixtures.

On Sunday, Najam Sethi, the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the PCB, to request his intervention in resolving the issue.

Sources report that during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, PCB Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi reiterated the board’s position that they will not pay the PKR 250 million security expenses demanded by the interim Punjab government.

PSL 2023: PCB And Punjab Government Still On A Standstill

Sethi also received the PM’s assurance of full support. However, if the provincial government does not relent, Sethi explained that they may have to make the difficult decision to move the PSL 2023 matches to Karachi.

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Initially, the interim Punjab government had requested the PCB to pay PKR 500 million for organizing the PSL 2023 matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The board has already given PKR 50 million to the Punjab government for food expenses.

Later, the provincial government asked for PKR 450 million to cover the costs of lighting and security. However, after a cabinet meeting on Saturday, they decided to pay half of the bill, asking PCB to pay the remaining PKR 250 million. Despite this, both PCB and PSL franchises maintained their stance and refused to pay any amount requested by the provincial government.

Also Read: PSL 2023: Pakistan Cricket Board Alongside PSL Franchises Deny Punjab Government’s Ridiculous Financial Demands For Hosting