PSL 2019: PCB announces the start date of the tournament; Pakistan to host eight matches

The excitement around the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is increasing with every passing day. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations and several key points were discussed when the PSL Governing Council comprising representatives of PCB and all PSL franchises met at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday.

PCB’s newly elected chairman Ehsan Mani chaired the meeting and was welcomed the inclusion of the franchises in the decision-making process. Though the main agenda was about confirming the schedule of the PSL and the number of matches to be held in Pakistan. Over the last couple of years, the cricket board was keen on hosting the playoffs in the country.

However, this time around a total of eight matches will take place in Pakistan including the final in Karachi on March 17.

When will PSL start?

The fourth season of the PSL will commence on February 14 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) much like the earlier editions. Earlier, the PCB was pondering to move the league out of UAE due to the fact that more tournaments were being held in the country. Malaysia was one of the favoured venues but the plans are shelved for now it seems.

Meanwhile, Ehsan Mani was confident of making the upcoming season a huge success with the help of the franchises. “PCB and all PSL franchises are partners in this project and I am confident that we will all work together to bring in good numbers for our next rights cycle,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The pick order for the Player Draft was also decided in the meeting. This year’s draft would be based on the last year’s team rankings even as the teams are allowed to retain maximum if 10 players. Also, all the team owners agreed on a randomized pick order from the fifth season.

[interaction id=”5b9ce21cd4b9a953fa6fb78d”]

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates.