KARACHI:
The owner of the PSL’s newest franchise has lashed out at the league’s existing team owners during a meeting of the league in London a few days ago.
One franchise owner also called for a review of cricketers’ fees, citing their poor performances.
“You did not do anyone a favour by buying a team. You invested money, but you also earned from it and gained publicity,” Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar told franchises owners.
According to sources, a meeting of the PSL Governing Council was held in London recently, attended by PCB officials and franchise owners.
Sources said that after one of the owners made a sarcastic remark, Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar strongly criticised the existing franchise owners during the meeting.
“You people are always trying to portray yourselves as victims. You did not do anyone a favour by buying a PSL franchise. A significant portion of the amount you have paid over ten years is an amount that we have already paid in a single year,” he said in the meeting.
“If you are still making losses after all these years, then look for the reasons and explore opportunities abroad as well. You can find sponsors there too. Do not keep reminding everyone of the favour you think you have done,” he said.
Sarwar also told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials that people associated with national cricket should be taught how to conduct themselves and communicate appropriately. Their behaviour, he said, brings a bad name to the country.
Interestingly, despite hearing Sarwar’s remarks, the other franchise owners remained silent. None interrupted him or attempted to offer an explanation. Board officials also did not intervene in his defence.
During the meeting, one owner argued that Pakistani players had performed so poorly that there was no justification for paying them such hefty fees. The owner urged the board to consider the matter and review players’ fees before the next edition of the PSL.
