PSL 2021: PCB to revise schedule for the remaining matches; tournament to be played in UAE

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to revise the schedule of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Like the Indian Premier League (IPL), even the PSL had to be stopped midway earlier this year in February due to positive COVID cases inside the bubble. PCB had then rescheduled the tournament in Karachi and the matches were set to commence on June 1.

However, with the COVID cases increasing in Pakistan once again, the franchises, earlier this week, had requested PCB to move the tournament to a safer venue, UAE. UAE has certainly become a hub for T20 leagues now with the country hosting IPL last year while the first few editions of the PSL were played there itself.

PCB officials and the franchises met on Friday via a Zoom call to discuss the future of the sixth edition which was cut short earlier. According to Cricket Pakistan, after a detailed discussion, it was decided unanimously then that it would be safe for PSL to be played in the UAE.

PCB will assess and then revise the schedule now

PCB is now expected to work with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to chart out a new schedule. Moreover, they will have to take care of Pakistan cricket team’s international schedule as well. The team is set to leave for United Kingdom on June 23 and it remains to be seen if the PSL can be finished within the available time.

The board will now carry out a detailed financial and risk assessment and then report back to franchises after which a final decision can be taken. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan also admitted that there are logistical challenges for the tournament to be played in the UAE and they remain committed to deliver the sixth season of the T20 tournamernt.

“We had an interactive and productive meeting in which we considered a number of factors. While the UAE has emerged as a preferred venue, a number of challenges remain, which will be worked through over the coming days. We remain committed to doing everything possible to complete the HBL PSL 6,” he said.