Multan Sultans owner Ali Jahangir Tareen claimed that the selection of Gwadar as the venue for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 draft was made without consulting the franchise owners.
In a recent interview, Tareen expressed frustration over the way the draft venue was chosen, describing the process as rushed and lacking proper communication.
He explained that one day, franchise owners received a message in the official PSL WhatsApp group.
"One day, we received a message in the PSL WhatsApp group saying that this year, the PSL draft will be in Gwadar," Tareen said.
"One franchise owner, who was a bit upset, messaged and asked, 'Sorry, just to clarify, is this a discussion or final?'" he added. "The reply came 'Final, brother.'"
We were confused, thinking, 'What does final mean?' Then, we were told, 'A press release is coming in three minutes,'" Tareen explained.
"We were discussing London and Dubai, and then we received the message: 'Gwadar final, brother.'"
He further explained that when he questioned the decision, particularly regarding potential travel complications for overseas players and coaches, his concerns were met with minimal response.
I asked, "Please explain, on what basis have you made this decision to go to Gwadar? Have you asked anyone if our overseas players and coaches will be able to come?" he recalled.
He also pointed out that Balochistan's travel policy, which conflicts with UK travel guidelines, would make it difficult for foreign players and coaches to obtain travel insurance.
"Officially, Balochistan is against the travel policy in the UK, so they won't get travel insurance. But because it was 'final, brother,' it was over," Tareen said.
I sent a message saying, "Brother, all my foreign coaches are messaging me that it's against our travel advice, how will we get travel insurance?" he added.
The official replied, 'Ok, ok, we will deal with it.' But then nothing was done about it, and eventually, the decision was changed and now the draft will be held in Lahore."
It is pertinent to mention that on December 20, 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced Gwadar as the venue for the PSL 10 draft, marking a historic first for the tournament.
As per the draft pick order, Lahore Qalandars, the two-time PSL champions, will make the first pick in the opening round of the platinum category, followed by their arch-rivals Karachi Kings.
The third pick will go to 2019 PSL champions Quetta Gladiators, with Peshawar Zalmi in the fourth spot.
Last season’s runners-up, Multan Sultans, will make the fifth pick, while the reigning champions, Islamabad United, will select sixth.
