IPL 2025 Auction : Why It's Difficult For Unsold Stars Like David Warner, Steve Smith To Play In PSL?- EXPLAINED

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise owners are grappling with a challenging dilemma regarding the inclusion of prominent overseas cricketers who remained unsold during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

The upcoming 10th edition of the PSL, scheduled from April 8 to May 19, coincides with the IPL, prompting franchises to explore the possibility of recruiting players like David Warner and Steve Smith, who surprisingly failed to attract bids in the IPL 2025 auction.

IPL 2025 IPL 2025 Auction David Warner — David Warner (left) with Steve Smith, Photo : X

While the six franchise owners are eager to sign some of the prominent players left unsold in the IPL auction, the salary cap of USD 200,000 for players in the PSL draft has created a significant hurdle as per a report by PTI.

"But the problem is that the players draft scheduled on January 11 time is running out to find a formula to sign on high profile players and also ensure a sense of disparity doesn't develop among players in the PSL," the source said.

It also came to light that some franchise owners are hesitant to offer players salaries exceeding the PSL cap, expressing concerns that directly signing high-profile players at elevated pay rates could create unrest among other players, particularly the local talent participating in the league.

Renowned players such as David Warner, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow, and Adil Rashid are expected to be available, as the April-to-May period is set aside for the IPL and does not include any international fixtures.

"The PSL's new CEO, Salman Naseer has even suggested that the franchise owners directly talk to the players' agents so that the PCB is not involved in negotiations. Some franchises are also opposing bypassing the draft and insist that all major players should be part of it'', the sources further added.

The player draft for the upcoming 2025 edition will be held in January 11 as we wait for further details in the coming days.