Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called for the immediate postponement of the Pakistan Super League 2021 (PSL) tournament yesterday. This came after seven players and one support staff official tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection. The pioneering cricket body noted that the tough decision had been taken out of consideration for the health and wellbeing of all participants. While no potential date for resuming the championship has yet been revealed, sources have disclosed that PCB officials are eyeing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the last option for the remaining PSL 6 matches.
Latest reports suggest that the matches will be held in May this year, if all goes according to plan and if Covid-19 cases continue to be on the decline in the Gulf country. “The Officials are thinking UAE as the last option to hold remaining PSL6 matches if the situation does not change here in Pakistan,” an insider quoted officials as saying. Earlier, three plans were being taken into consideration; one that the remaining matches should be played in May, second that they should be carried out in September and third that they should be held in December. When exactly they take place, only time will tell.
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Previously, when the PCB called for the delay of the PSL tournament with “immediate effect,” it stated, “Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and wellbeing of all participants is paramount, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to postpone the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 with immediate effect. The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February.” The statement added, “The PCB will concentrate on safe and secure passage for the participants and is set to arrange repeat PCR tests, vaccines, and isolation facilities for the six franchises.” Last year, PSL 5 was also postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan. It was then reconducted in November 2020.