PSL 2021: PCB to stage final on June 24; Pakistan's travel to England delayed

The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) seems to be the hot topic of discussion as the tournament has off-late garnered a lot of flak. Earlier, it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) failed to get the documentation and logistics done for its 16 players due to which they missed their flights to the UAE.

Now, another news has come that the PSL final will be played on June 24. Initially, the Pakistan team was set to depart to London on June 23, but due to the finale of PSL six, the Men in Green will now depart on June 25. The PSL also faced hurdles from the UAE government due to quarantine hurdles, due to which the start of the tournament was delayed.

Now the PCB officials are confident of completing the remainder of PSL six before the England tour.

“Pakistan men’s team to now depart for England on 25 June instead of 23 June. Departure for England on 25 June will mean only three double-headers, if the event commences on 7 June,” the PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan team looking ahead for their England tour after PSL 2021

The PCB have also confirmed that a batch of seven new members has landed in Abu Dhabi for the UAE leg. Karachi Kings are currently leading the points table on account of the strong net run rate. As soon as the PSL ends on June 24, the national players will fly to England for three-match ODIs and as many T20Is starting on July 8.

Under skipper Babar Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan have managed to beat South Africa and Zimbabwe by playing a positive brand of cricket. Both the bi-lateral series were against week teams as South Africa missed many of their star players the likes of David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Kagiso Rabada which the Asian team fully exploited. On the other hand, Zimbabwe too missed Brendon Taylor and Craig Ervine which hampered their progress.

England tour will pose a different challenge for Pakistan as they get to play against one of the top teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in October. In ODIs, England leads the head-to-head record, having won 53 matches to Pakistan’s 32.