PCB issues verdict on PSL financial model case

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s legal representatives were present before Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi on Friday and received notices for hearing in respect of the Writ Petition filed by the six franchise owners, fixed today as an Urgent Petition.

The counsel for PCB, Taffazul Rizvi, raised a preliminary objection with regard to the maintainability of the Writ Petition and also apprised the honourable Judge that the PCB had twice this week invited the franchise owners to meet and discuss the financial model for HBL Pakistan Super League with a view towards redressing grievances in good faith.

Rizvi also informed the honourable court that as per the agreement, the appropriate mechanism for any dispute resolution between the PCB and the franchise owners was through initiation of arbitration and therefore, the franchises’ Writ Petition was misdirected and was liable to be dismissed.

On the honourable court’s instructions, the PCB will be submitting its written comments by Wednesday, 30 September, which is the next date of hearing.

“The PCB remains committed to working with its partners, but in this matter, it is surprised and disappointed that despite its offers to engage in discussions over the financial model and whilst being aware of the appropriate forum for dispute resolution, the franchisees approached the honourable High Court.

“The PCB looks forward to addressing all queries and legal-objections before the honourable court and then to find solutions that are practicable and acceptable to all parties involved.”