PSL has been getting a good response for quite some time now. The league has garnered popularity off late in Pakistan. The players, especially the domestic outfit of the cricket-loving nation, has gained immensely from this league. Franchise cricket has also helped PCB to garner rich profits. The fifth edition of the PSL was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year. 

The PSL was entirely held in Pakistan for the first time. The knockout matches were suspended in March 2020 owing to the increasing scare of the pandemic. The PCB looked at the option of deciding the winner of PSL through league table standings but decided on the contrary. On 2nd July, PCB announced that they plan to complete the season in November 2020.

Earlier, PSL started on 20th February 2020 with six teams participating in the tournament. The teams were entitled to play 10 matches each with each winning game fetching them two points. The top four teams on the group were slated to play in the semifinals.

Franchises disappointed of not getting desired profits for hosting PSL in Pakistan

This year, it was decided that PSL will return to its said home which is Pakistan. The cricket-loving nation welcomed it with open arms. But when it came to garnering profits from this move the franchises were left disappointed. The initial unaudited accounts made them believe that league cant is termed successful and the move has proved to be of no use.

As reported by Cricket Pakistan, the total revenue this year PSL was Rs 2,167,194,794,749. The PCB fetched Rs 627,612,185 from this revenue whereas the franchises shared Rs 1,540,182,564. The cricket board is also required to pay the broadcasters Rs 109,656,474 and a sponsorship tax of Rs 14,304,348.

A total of 30 matches were played in four cities of the cricket-loving nation. Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan were the cities that lit up this year’s PSL. The league was also promoted on social media through hashtags such as #HBLPSLV and @TayyarHain.

A great initiative was also carried out during the league. Childhood cancer awareness and breast cancer awareness were observed on 22nd February and 7th March respectively. The stadiums were also themed gold and pink during those respective days.