The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a new award of US$200,000, equivalent to Rs55.4 million, for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise that makes the strongest contribution to cricket development in Pakistan.
The inaugural HBL PSL Cricket Development Excellence Award aims to recognise long-term investment in the country’s cricket structure, player development pathways and professional growth of cricketers.
For the first award, the PCB will assess development work carried out by franchises from PSL 3 through PSL 11. From future editions, only development activities completed between the two most recent PSL seasons will be considered.
According to the PCB, franchises will initially evaluate their own performance using a scoring system and submit supporting evidence. A five-member assessment committee, comprising independent experts and PCB stakeholders, will then verify the claims using measurable and verifiable data. This assessment will account for 80 percent of the final score, while fan voting will contribute the remaining 20 percent.
The scoring system covers several areas, including player pathways and development, player impact, high-performance infrastructure, grassroots and domestic cricket, and player welfare and education.
Player pathway and development carries a 25 percent weight, while grassroots and domestic engagement accounts for 20 percent. High-performance infrastructure and innovation has a 15 percent share, with player impact and contribution and player welfare and education carrying 10 percent each. Fan voting makes up the remaining 20 percent.
The PCB said the initiative is designed to encourage PSL franchises to invest beyond the tournament itself and contribute to the wider development of Pakistani cricket. Further details about the assessment committee and fan voting schedule will be announced later.
