PCB to host remaining PSL matches after IPL 2020 in November

The remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will be played in Lahore in November. The PCB announced the schedule on Wednesday.

This year’s PSL was stopped in March in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi are teams which are still left in the tournament.

There will be one doubleheader – the qualifier and Eliminator 1– on November 14, followed by Eliminator 2 on November 15 and the final on November 17. Amid the pandemic, the games are set to be played at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

Abiding by COVID-19 protocols, players will be under a bio-secure bubble. PCB also stated in a release that matches will be hosted behind closed doors. However, the further situation will be closely monitored and will be reviewed in October.

We look forward to bringing joy to the nation: Wasim Khan

The CEO of PCB, Wasim Khan also added that there will be more tournaments in the pipeline after PSL. “PCB is planning to hold its 2020-21 domestic season, which will include a number of age-group, men and women competitions, as well as home international series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. We look forward to once again bringing joy to the nation.

All domestic 2020-21 season matches will prove to be the catalyst for the successful planning and delivery of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021, which will be held in February/March next year,” said Khan.

The availability of overseas players remains a doubt. However, the PCB is hoping to recruit players from at least from Asian countries. The PCB is also optimistic to allow spectators in the ground if the situation eventually improves. From the four sides to feature in the remaining HBL PSL 2020 matches, only Peshawar Zalmi is a former winner, lifting the trophy in Lahore in 2017. PSL carries a total prize money of USD 1 million, including a winner’s award of USD 500K along with the competition’s trophy.

PSL 2020 fixtures:

Saturday, Nov 14: Qualifier (Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings) and Eliminator 1 (Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi)

Sunday, Nov 15: Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1)

Tuesday, Nov 17: Final