Picture Credit: PSL/PCB
The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League, which was set to resume in Karachi on June 1, has now been shifted to Abu Dhabi. Notably, the tournament got suspended midway through the season in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bio-bubble. After Pakistan Cricket Board announced the plans for resumption, all the six PSL franchises had requested the governing body to move the event away from Pakistan in light of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country.
Why has the tournament been shifted to UAE?
Considering the present situation, PCB did not want to take any risk and have therefore taken the decision to conduct the rest of the tournament in UAE. While the talks had already been done a few days back, the PCB officials were awaiting the green signal from the Emirates Cricket Board. Much to the delight of all the cricket fans, the confirmation has officially been granted today.
UAE is in a much better state right now with respect to the pandemic situation as compared to Pakistan. The board also has the experience of conducting a big event like this, having successfully organized IPL 2020 with BCCI. The move will also ensure the availability of most of the star overseas players who would have been slightly reluctant to travel to Pakistan but will feel much more comfortable and safer playing in Abu Dhabi.
Revised fixtures of PSL 2021
With 14 matches already completed, there are only 20 games remaining in PSL 2021. All the matches will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The season will resume with Match No. 15 which will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United on June 9 . The grand finale of PSL 6 is scheduled to take place on June 24.