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Picture Credit: PSL/PCB

In a big update coming in from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), it has now been confirmed that the remaining matches of the suspended 2021 edition will commence in Abu Dhabi from June 9. While it was earlier confirmed that the tournament has been shifted out of Pakistan, a final confirmation on the fixtures was awaited. Meanwhile, it is also being learned that the PSL matches will start at 9 pm Pakistan time. In addition, on the day of double-headers, the second match will begin at 11 pm Pakistan time, with the first match commencing at 6 pm Pakistan time.

Notably, PSL, which was earlier suspended in March owing to rising COVID-19 cases, has suffered a few hurdles prior to its resumption. As many as five cricketers and two coaches from South Africa and eight Indian broadcasters reached only on Saturday and will now be undergoing mandatory quarantine.

"With both countries (India and South Africa) on the UAE’s red-list due to Covid-19, getting visas on time became a big hurdle… more Indians and South Africans are expected to arrive in the UAE and since they have to complete a 10-day quarantine period, the resumption of the season will not be possible by June 5," a report in the Dawn stated.

IPL 2021 also moved to the UAE

Meanwhile, the BCCI has also formally announced its decision to move the remainder of IPL 2021 to UAE. The remaining fixtures are likely to happen in the September-October window. Despite doubts over the availability of several overseas players, the Indian cricket board is confident of pulling off the remaining matches. However, while the PSL is happening only in Abu Dhabi, IPL will stage its matches across three venues in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi much like the tournament in 2020.