PSL 2021 revised schedule announced, final to be played on June 24

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Thursday that the remainder of the 6th edition of the Pakistan Super League will resume on June 9 in Abu Dhabi, with the final to be played on June 24. The PSL schedule has also been announced and the Lahore Qalandars will take on Islamabad United in the first game of the resumed edition.

There will be six double-headers – five in the resumed league stage and the last being the Qualifier and Eliminator 1, which is set to be played on June 21. Pakistan is due to depart for Manchester on 25 June from Abu Dhabi after the final clash.

An official release by the PSL stated that Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars resumed practice on Wednesday (June 3) as the players and support staff who have returned three negative RT-PCR tests after completing the mandatory isolation are permitted to mingle with the team.

Notably, the 6^th edition of the league was postponed midway after multiple bio-bubble breaches and Covid-19 cases were reported inside the bio-secure environment for the league. In a collective letter, all six franchises requested PCB to shift the remaining season in Abu Dhabi, owing to the Covid situation in Pakistan. After multiple logistical and travel-related hurdles, the PCB finally managed to get ahead with the tournament.

Thankful for the support and backing we have received from the UAE: PCB Chief

Thanking the government of UAE and Pakistan, PCB Chief Wasim Khan said, “We are grateful and thankful for the support and backing we have received from the UAE and Pakistan governments. I would like to thank the England & Wales Cricket Board for their flexibility, the Emirates Cricket Board, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, as well as all the franchise owners for backing our approach and supporting our decision-making. In addition, the players, fans and officials have remained patient with us during the last two weeks and for that I offer my thanks.”

“Since its inception in 2016, the HBL PSL has embraced and overcome numerous challenges, only to emerge as a stronger and competitive league year-on-year.

“The enhancement and credibility of the HBL PSL brand remains critical to the PCB and I am pleased that we have continued to take decisive actions in the face of ongoing pressures and major challenges outside of our control over the last 10 days.”

“There was a consensus between the PCB and the franchises that it was imperative to complete the remaining matches in 2021 so that we have a clean 2022 for HBL PSL 7. Now, after overcoming all obstacles through due diligence and careful planning, I believe we have collectively achieved the desired objective that was set in March following the postponement,” he added.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of Emirates Cricket Board said, “ECB is pleased to once again host the HBL PSL matches in UAE as this is the place where HBL PSL was launched six years ago. This time the matches will be hosted at our world-class facilities at Abu Dhabi. Though the global pandemic has presented its challenges, under the guidance of our Chairman His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, ECB will continue to support PCB in delivering yet another memorable event.

PSL 2021 Points table at the time of league suspension