PSL 2021 might be truncated to accommodate in the available window

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a lot of logistics issues while trying to organize the remainder of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Abu Dhabi in the United Arb Emirates (UAE). With each passing day, the time is slipping from the hands of the Pakistan board as Pakistan has a jam-packed international schedule after June.

Many reports suggested that PCB is hoping to start the tournament from June 5 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The final was supposed to be hosted at the same venue on June 20. However, a delay in the travel of many players from Pakistan to Abu Dhabi has made it almost impossible for the board to start the league from June 5.

The major problem for PCB is that they have to conclude PSL 2021 by June 20 anyhow as Pakistan’s national cricket team is set to fly to England on June 22. Thus, it is a possibility that the league might be truncated considering the time frame available. As of now, 20 matches are to be hosted in Abu Dhabi. However, PCB is thinking on the lines of cutting the tournament short by reducing the number of games. 

Sarfaraz Ahmed stopped from flying to Abu Dhabi for PSL

As of now, the major hindrance ahead of PCB is to make arrangements for 11 players and officials who are stuck in Karachi. 202 players, support staff, and tournament officials from Pakistan, 57 persons from Karachi, and 145 from Lahore, are already in Abu Dhabi for the tournament. They were airlifted via a special chartered flight on May 27. 

16 more players including Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed were planning to board the flight from Karachi to Abu Dhabi early morning on Sunday. However, only five members were allowed to take the flight, and others were asked to return to their hotels where they have been in quarantine since May 24.

This was done as the players are yet to receive visa clearance from the UAE government. While PCB is trying their best to get the visa clearance for all the remaining players and other members, they are also thinking of hiring a chartered plane.