The PSL’s governing council could not reach a decision at a meeting on Friday but hopes to do so over the weekend. A statement from the PCB did, however, coin the potential new player recruitment model as a “drauction”.
The addition of the two new franchises has also complicated the matter of player retentions, with disagreement on the best balance to strike between allowing existing franchises to hold on to their players, and giving the two new franchises a fair opportunity to sign the best players of their choosing. ESPNcricinfo understands consensus on the matter remains elusive.
ESPNcricinfo also understands the new franchises are pushing for the fewest player retentions to enable them to pick from a riper pool. They are also among the owners making the strongest case for an auction rather than a draft, with a majority of the existing franchises understood to be opposed to the position. While the final decision in the event of disagreement persisting rests with the chairman, the PSL is looking to give itself the greatest time and opportunity to reach consensus.
“During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various matters including the schedule of the PSL, player retentions, adoption of the player auction or a unique combination of auction and draft termed as ‘drauction’ and the option of opening direct signings,” the official statement said. “It was decided that the PSL will kick off on Thursday, 26 March as the fans, players and stakeholders look forward to entering the New Era of the league.
“The meeting was adjourned with the constitution of a working group to meet on Saturday to deliberate further on agenda items, where after the governing council meeting will be reconvened immediately as necessary.”
