Hyderabad Kingsmen Owner Fawad Sarwar has challenged fellow Pakistan Super League franchise owners over their complaints about losses, arguing that team ownership has also delivered commercial and publicity benefits. According to a report by The Express Tribune’s Saleem Khaliq, the confrontation took place during a recent PSL Governing Council meeting in London attended by franchise owners and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials.
The exchange reportedly came after an ironic remark from one of the existing team owners during the meeting. Sarwar responded: “You did not do anyone a favour by buying a team. You invested money, but you also earned from it and gained publicity.”
Sarwar challenges PSL owners over investment
The dispute brought the financial commitments of the league’s established franchises into focus following the addition of Hyderabad Kingsmen as one of the PSL’s newest teams.
Sarwar reportedly said: “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.”
The other franchise owners did not interrupt Sarwar or respond with an explanation during his remarks, while PCB officials also stayed out of the exchange.
Overseas sponsorship enters the debate
The discussion also turned to how franchises could address continuing financial losses, with Sarwar pointing towards commercial opportunities outside Pakistan.
Sarwar added: “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.”
Separately, Sarwar raised concerns with PCB officials about the conduct and communication of people associated with Pakistan cricket. He argued that those representing the country’s cricket system should communicate appropriately and that poor behaviour could damage Pakistan’s reputation.
Franchise owner calls for review of player fees
A separate financial issue emerged during the Governing Council meeting when one franchise owner reportedly questioned the fees being paid to Pakistani players in light of their performances.
The owner argued that recent performances did not justify such high payments and urged the PCB to review player fees ahead of the next PSL season.
The discussion adds player remuneration to the commercial issues raised at the London meeting, alongside franchise profitability and the search for additional sponsorship opportunities.
