Sixth edition of PSL postponed indefinitely
Last updated on: 20 May,2021 03:23 pm
Staging remaining matches of the PSL is impossible due to tough conditions of the UAE govt.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been postponed indefinitely.
The decision came a day after United Arab Emirates government had given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the go-ahead to host the remaining games of PSL 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
According to sources, despite UAE government’s permission staging remaining matches of the PSL is impossible due to tough conditions of the UAE government.
On Tuesday, the Abu Dhabi government had given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the go-ahead to host the remaining games of PSL 2021 at the location.
On the other hand, Pakistan Cricket Board and the six franchise owners on Wednesday discussed in a virtual session the operational planning and delivery of the remaining 20 HBL Pakistan Super League matches, which are scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 1-20 June.
Following detailed discussions in which all potential scenarios were reviewed and analysed, it was unanimously agreed to wait until the close of business on Thursday (UAE time) before a final decision on the hosting of the remaining matches is made.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “In today’s online discussion, we updated the team owners that the PCB had been advised that the PSL had received approvals from the relevant authorities in the UAE. However, some clarifications on certain exemption requests are still awaited, which are expected at some stage on Thursday.
“The team owners agreed that if we do not receive clarity by Thursday afternoon, then they’ll have no other option but to request postponement of the remaining 20 matches.
“In the meantime, we will continue to liaise with the UAE government and the Emirates Cricket Board as they are equally keen for the event to be held in the UAE.”
The rescheduled PSL 2021 was initially set to take place in Pakistan from June 1-20, with all games taking place in Karachi. However, a worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, combined with lockdowns prompted franchises to request the PCB to move the remainder of the tournament to the UAE.
The situation prompted the PCB to approach the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for permission, and multiple media reports have confirmed the same has been granted.
While the tournament was initially slated to begin on June 1, it remains to be seen how the venue change alters the PSL 2021 schedule.