The Pakistan Cricket Board have stated that UAE has become their preferred destination to host the remainder of the PSL. CEO Wasim Khan did admit that talks and discussions were going on with the Emirates Cricket Board.
About a month ago, the PCB had announced that Karachi will host the remaining 20 games (16 league encounters, three playoffs and the final) of the PSL 6 between June 1 and June 20.
However, the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan has worsened, which prompted the franchises to ask board to move the remainder of the PSL to UAE. Now, the PCB have confirmed that the talks and discussions with the Emirates Cricket Board have started.
“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,”
Khan said via a media release.
There are a lot of other challenges and factors that will come into consideration as well. The release also stated that look at training facilities and hotel bookings and carry out a detailed financial cost analysis before coming to a conclusion. Moreover, the Pakistan national side are scheduled to leave for the United Kingdom on June 23 as they face England in a six-match white-ball series (three ODIs and three T20Is).
“PCB will liaise with the ECB in relation to finalising playing and training facilities, hotel bookings, ground transportation and visitors’ visas. PCB will carry out a detailed financial and risk assessment as well as cost analysis before reporting back to the franchises, who will then review before a decision on the event venue is confirmed,”
PCB’s release stated.
UAE hosted a hassle-free and glitch-free 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. It has also hosted a number of seasons of the PSL as well in the past.
