Remaining PSL 6 matches to be played in Abu Dhabi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), to host the remaining matches of rescheduled PSL which was originally planned to be held in Karachi.

According to sources, PCB will reschedule the matches to be completed by June 20.

Sources further said that the PCB officials are waiting for the Emirates Cricket Board to get the green signal from their government tomorrow.

A 7-member PCB delegation was present in the UAE on Eid and both boards are hopeful that they will be granted the permission.

PCB’s decision not to host the remainder of PSL in Karachi came out after a request from all the six franchises as well as an advice from National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).

The PSL franchises had requested PCB to shift the remaining games of PSL outside of Karachi pertaining to the worsening situation of COVID19.

Following the request to move PSL out of Pakistan, the PCB held an online meeting with all the teams discussing the financial implications of postponing the tournament. The PCB considered UAE as the best location for the remaining games of PSL 2021. UAE is the place where the first PSL held when international cricket was not being played in Pakistan.

Karachi was announced as the venue for the remainder of PSL and till the last week, the arrangements were made keeping in mind Karachi as a venue for the tournament. However, the decision was changed after PCB’s meeting with NCOC. The NCOC informed the PCB that the situation of the pandemic is not going to get better in the country. There might be a subsequent rise in the coronavirus cases after Eid. Already a lockdown has been imposed in the country for a week from May 8 to May 15.

The chief executive of PCB said, "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."

The 2021 edition of the PSL was suspended after 14 games - played between February 20 and March 3, all in Karachi.

The tournament was hindered due to an outbreak of cases among players and PSL staff.