PSL: business or a game?

It is that time of the year again when the Pakistan Super League (PSL) fever has grasped the masses. As chips are chomped while the ball spins and the bat swings on the screen, the questions are forgotten in the entertainment bonanza.

How deep are the pockets of those who can afford to spend billions on teams that have not performed? How much does each team make from its multiple revenue streams? How much do channels and allied industries earn as viewers are bombarded with advertisements? What is the cost-benefit analysis and profit and loss statement of each team? What kind of oversight does one of the biggest sport events of the year have? These are some of the questions that the Business & Finance team will be exploring over the next few weeks.—FSA