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Picture Credit: PSL/PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shown their concern for the remaining matches of the 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid the crunch time of novel COVID-19. While they are planning to schedule the games from June 1 to June 20 at the National Stadium in Karachi, all the players have been asked to reach their respective hotels on May 22 as they will have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of seven days.

But, it seems the league can't go ahead as per plans as there is uncertainty over the availability of overseas players. While many international players are taking part in the 14th edition of the IPL currently, their availability will clash either with their international series or other domestic leagues as well. On the other hand, the final of the IPL will be played on May 30, 2021, and many players can be seen skipping the PSL if their franchise reaches the Playoffs of IPL 2021.

Apart from that, England will take on New Zealand in a two-match Test series from June 2 to 14. Ireland too will be playing against the Netherlands from June 2 to 7. Even ECB has also decided to host their domestic T20 tournament, Vitality T20 Blast, from June 9 to September 9 as well.

Along with this, Sri Lanka is slated to tour England in June for a three-match T20I series, whereas Bangladesh and Australia will play against Zimbabwe and West Indies, respectively. Most importantly, New Zealand and India will take on each other in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in England from June 18 to 22.

While these series are on cards now, many overseas players don't want to travel to Pakistan due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Meanwhile, seeing this uncertainty, PSL has decided to hold the players' draft in May to replace those players, who wouldn't be available due to their other commitments.