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PCB receives all approvals & exemptions to hold remaining games of PSL 6 in Abu Dhabi

From PCB:

Online meeting between PCB and franchise owners ends

The PCB briefed the franchise owners on all the developments so far

Franchise owners were also informed of unexpected delays in landing permits for chartered flights to India and South Africa.

The PCB will use every possible option to overcome all these difficulties

Flights from Karachi and Lahore will depart on time - at 5pm
 
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Seems like a fluid situation

Currently, 25 people in hotels in Lahore and Karachi have not yet received visas

All of these people are currently living in the biosecure bubble

Upon issuance of visas, all these persons will be flown to Abu Dhabi by a separate chartered flight.
 
It’s all to play for as the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 moves to Abu Dhabi with the remaining 20 matches of the season to be staged at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium from the first week of June.

Defending champions Karachi Kings, 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi, 2016 and 2018 champions Islamabad United and last year’s runner-up Lahore Qalandars are all locked at six points after an engrossing 14-match Karachi-leg (20 February-3 March).

While the teams have tweaked their foreign players’ rosters for the Abu Dhabi-leg due to availability issues, the core of the teams formed by seasoned Pakistan T20 exponents, remains the same.

Almost all of Pakistan’s leading T20 exponents will be seen in action in Abu Dhabi with their focus on getting their sides through to the playoffs before a shot at the glittering HBL PSL 6 trophy. In the Karachi-leg Faheem Ashraf – Islamabad United, Fakhar Zaman – Lahore Qalandars, Mohammad Nawaz – Quetta Gladiators, Sharjeel Khan –Karachi Kings, Shoaib Malik –Peshawar Zalmi and Sohaib Maqsood –Multan Sultans made significant contributions for their sides, all six hope to make their presence felt in Abu Dhabi too.

United’s all-rounder Faheem provided both control and penetration to his side with the ball, the right-armer took four wickets at 20 at an excellent economy rate of 6.15. His sensational figures of three for 11 in four overs earned him the player of the match award against Gladiators. Faheem also contributed some quick runs with the bat his 49 runs came at a strike-rate of 158.06.

Qalandars’ opener Fakhar leads the HBL PSL 6 run-scorers list for his side. The left-hander scored 189 runs in four innings in Karachi at 63 with a 143.18 strike rate. His best was 83 and the typically aggressive batter hit seven sixes and 18 fours at the National Stadium while providing Qalandars some rollicking starts.

Gladiators’ all-rounder Nawaz contributed 89 runs in the Karachi-leg at 29.66 at a strike rate of 128.98 besides taking a wicket. He maintained a decent 7.38 economy rate on a venue where some big scores were made throughout the 14 matches.

Kings’ opener Sharjeel posted the only century of the Karachi-leg, the swashbuckling left-hander scored 200 runs in five innings at 40 at an incredible 170.94 strike-rate. Sharjeel hit a whopping 15 sixes and 19 fours in Karachi.

Zalmi’s T20 stalwart Shoaib contributed 101 runs in five innings in Karachi at 33.66 with a best of 34, he remained unbeaten twice. Shoaib scored his runs at 124.69, striking five sixes and six fours in all.

Sultans’ Sohaib Maqsood was the second highest run-getter for his side behind his captain Mohammad Rizwan with 135 runs at 45. Sohaib made his runs at a 139.17 strike-rate, his best contribution was an unbeaten 61, he struck five sixes and 13 fours in Karachi.

Faheem Ashraf – Islamabad United: “I enjoyed the Karachi-leg as I made contributions both with bat and ball for my team. I know that I have an important role to play for United and I remain focused on delivering to the best of my ability in Abu Dhabi.

“The weather will be challenging in terms of the heat and humidity so fitness would play a key role for all the six teams, we will prepare hard in the lead-up to our matches and aim to hit the ground running. My personal aim would be to keep making winning contributions for my side both with bat and ball.”

Fakhar Zaman – Lahore Qalandars: “I have been pleased with my batting form both for Qalandars and Pakistan in recent months. The Karachi-leg turned out well for us as despite a low net run-rate we are joint equal on points with the table toppers.

“We have gained considerable experience of UAE pitches over the years, the conditions in Abu Dhabi would mostly be batting friendly, the pitches though offer something to the fast bowlers also which makes it a good contest. The weather will be challenging but that will spur us on further. My aim would be to continue to provide good starts to the team and play out long innings for my side whenever an opportunity comes.”

Mohammad Nawaz – Quetta Gladiators: “The Karachi-leg was a tough one for us but the victory in our last match there gave us a lot of confidence. We are a team known for our comebacks and fight backs and we head to Abu Dhabi with our spirits high.

“At a personal level, I am keen to make match winning contributions both with bat and ball. The Karachi-leg was decent for me in terms of my batting performances while finishing a couple of games for Pakistan in recent T20Is has renewed my belief in my abilities. I have always enjoyed bowling in the UAE and I am preparing myself for making a substantial impact with the ball on pitches which can be conducive to spin bowling.”

Sharjeel Khan – Karachi Kings: “The Karachi-leg gave me a lot of confidence as I was able to perform for my team and post the first century of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6. My aim has always been to provide a flying start to the team and play my natural game. Having Babar Azam at the other end brings a lot of comfort and joy.

“Being the defending champions and table toppers in the current edition, we head to Abu Dhabi with a great deal of confidence. However, Abu Dhabi conditions would not be that easy especially with the heat, my target would be to attack from the outset and make significant contributions for my team. I have a firm belief that we have the capability of defending our title.”

Shoaib Malik – Peshawar Zalmi: “As a seasoned campaigner, my job is to use my experience to the benefit of my team and play the finisher’s role with the bat in tough situations. I am pleased with my batting form and fitness standards that I was able to put on show during the Karachi-leg. We bonded well as a team which helped us to our second position on the points table.

“In Abu Dhabi, the heat would be a big challenge for all the teams and the ones who cope the best with the conditions will be best placed to lift the trophy. As always, I would aim to deliver to the best of my ability and take the team through tough situations while offering my full support to the captain and team management. I have worked extremely hard on my batting and fitness in recent months which should hopefully help me a great deal at the business end of the tournament.”

Sohaib Maqsood – Multan Sultans: “The Karachi-leg was a tough one for us in terms of the results but I think we fought really hard and gave a good fight in almost every match. My batting form was pretty decent too and now my aim is to carry the form and in fact improve it significantly in Abu Dhabi.

“My recent stint at the National High Performance Centre was immensely valuable, the Abu Dhabi-leg provides me an excellent opportunity of putting to test the skills I learned in what would be challenging conditions in terms of the weather. This is an action packed year and I know that if I do well for Sultans, I can be back in the reckoning for the national team. First and foremost though, my target is to resurrect the team’s fortunes with some match winning performances through which we can hopefully make it through to the playoffs.”
 
Karachi: The efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise have proved to be fruitful after United Arab Emirates (UAE) government reduced the quarantine period of the participants, ARY News reported.

According to sources, the players, officials and broadcast crew will undergo five-day isolation instead of seven days. The final decision will be announced after the clearance from PCB’s medical staff.

Meanwhile, two groups in Karachi and Lahore have arrived at the airports to leave for Abu Dhabi. Due to COVID-19 protocols, they are divided into two groups.

On the other hand, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has fastened their efforts to get permission from its government for the arrival of camera crew planes in the UAE. The approval is expected to be received by evening.

Currently, 25 people in hotels of Lahore and Karachi have not yet received visas. All of them will stay in the biosecure bubble. Upon issuance of visas, they will fly to Abu Dhabi via separate chartered flight.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Umer Amin are among those players.

ARY
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over 20 players and officials in Pakistan are still waiting for their visas for UAE. In addition, Hammad Azam who is in the UK is yet to receive his visa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1397929321981906951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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Flight from SA granted permission to land in UAE

In these flights (referring to both India and SA flights), there will be broadcast crews from India and SA as well as players also

Flights from both countries will depart soon and India flight has been granted landing permission in the UAE

The chartered flight from here will be finalized as soon as all the remaining people in Pakistan get visas.

The schedule of the tournament will be announced in the next two days
 
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The visa delay aspect is a concern.

Interesting that only some of the players/officials have been affected by this issue.
 
Abu Dhabi, 27 May 2021: The UAE authorities granted landing permission to South African players and the broadcast crews arriving from South Africa and India for participation in the HBL Pakistan Super League 6.

As such, their arrival in the UAE is expected in the next 48 hours.

The players, support staff and officials who could not board the chartered flight to Abu Dhabi from Karachi and Lahore today due to visa delay, are also expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi in the next 48 hours in another chartered flight.

More than 200 players, support staff match and PCB staffers landed in Abu Dhabi today from Karachi and Lahore and began there isolation this evening.

Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators pacer Naseem Shah was granted permission to re-join the HBL PSL 6 bio-bubble. He was sent home earlier this week because of a Covid-19 testing breach.

Naseem’s return however is dependent on fulfilment of the Pakistan bio-bubble protocols which include testing negative within 48 hours prior to the integration in the bubble and subsequent isolation along with two repeat Covid-19 tests before boarding the next chartered flight which will leave from Pakistan.
 
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought special permission for landing of two chartered flights from Mumbai and Johannesburg carrying broadcast officials from India and players and broadcast officials from South Africa in UAE to participate in the remaining 20 matches of the HBL PSL 6.

According to a fresh announcement of PCB made late on Thursday, the UAE authorities have not granted permission for the chartered flights to land at the Abu Dhabi airport but have agreed to their landing at Dubai or Ra’s-al-Khaimah.

It is learnt that Pakistan foreign office also intervened to clear the problems in issuance of visas as well as confirming the landing of the chartered flights in the UAE. The flights will now reach UAE on Friday.

The Indians and South Africans will then have to undergo a 10-day quarantine period after their arrival.

The broadcast staff, however, can resume their job after eight-day quarantine period while observing the Covid-19 SOPs strictly.

Published in Dawn, May 28th, 2021
 
Media reports say that players, supporting staff, PSL management who reached Abu Dhabi from Pakistan have tested negative for the on arrival COVID-19 test
 
Despite several hurdles that the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 had to face, the most sought-after T20 cricketers continue to gather in the United Arab Emirates capital. They are eager to get on the field to showcase their exceptional skills and talents and win the hearts of the millions of fans who will be watching the games with their friends and families on the television screens.

The HBL PSL 6 lived up to its promise with top-quality cricket and riveting battles at Karachi’s National Stadium and the six teams’ line-ups suggest that trend to continue at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium. For the UAE-leg, the league has attracted some names who are renowned for their extraordinary repertoire, which makes them global T20 superstars.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (Islamabad United and Multan Sultans) and wicketkeeper-batsman Johnson Charles (Quetta Gladiators and Sultans) will be making their returns to the HBL PSL, while their fellow West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australia top-order batsman Usman Khawaja and all-rounder James Faulkner will be marking their HBL PSL debuts.

Andre Russell – Quetta Gladiators: “I still have very fond memories of my first PSL tournament with Islamabad United. I still have some great friendships from my PSL experiences and I am really looking forward to join my new teammates at Quetta Gladiators and play under Sarfaraz Ahmed. I have no doubts that the Purple Force will turn the tide and make its fans proud.”

Johnson Charles – Multan Sultans: “The HBL PSL serves another opportunity to the players to enhance their skillset with its intricacies. The fielding standards are excellent and the local Pakistan bowlers, whether spinners or pacers, really challenge a batsman’s abilities.

“Along with top quality players, the teams possess top cricketing minds in the shape of coaches and mentors. In the year when the players are gearing up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this league provides a perfect platform for preparation as I look forward to delivering my absolute best for Multan Sultans – a franchise I have represented in the past – under Mohammad Rizwan who has been one of the most outstanding players across the three formats in recent months.”

Fidel Edwards – Peshawar Zalmi: “It is no mean task to gather six contingents to put a high-quality tournament in these difficult and uncertain times. I have no qualms that like its previous editions, this HBL PSL edition is going to keep the fans glued to the screens from around the world with some sensational performances and tightly fought matches.

“I have heard some excellent things about this tournament and I am eager to join my team Peshawar Zalmi that have a big fan base and enjoy passionate support. I look forward to making a big contribution for my captain Wahab Riaz and my old mate and head coach Daren Sammy.”

James Faulkner – Lahore Qalandars: “I am looking forward to my first appearance in the HBL Pakistan Super League. Lahore Qalandars have a formidable squad with some outstanding Pakistan talent like Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The HBL PSL has over the years produced some outstanding cricketers and in just six years since its inception has captured the attention of the fans and followers of the game around the world.

“It has brought to light some extremely talented cricketers who now form the core of Pakistan national side. The first 14 matches of this season again unearthed some extraordinary youngsters and I am really looking forward to rub shoulders with them, learn from them and share my experiences with them.”

Martin Guptill – Karachi Kings: “This will be my first appearance in the HBL Pakistan Super League and I am really looking forward to taking the field for the defending champions Karachi Kings. The HBL PSL is a quality tournament and I am excited about my journey with the Kings who are a very good side.

“We have a good leader in Imad Wasim who has played a lot of cricket around the world and has remained a top T20 performer. I am really looking forward to batting with Babar Azam, who is a world-class batter with impressive T20 numbers. My aim would be to provide a great start for the side along with him and Sharjeel. We have a solid squad with the likes of Mohammad Amir spearheading our attack, I really feel we can create history by becoming the first team to successfully defend the HBL PSL title.”

Usman Khawaja – Islamabad United: “That the HBL PSL 6 is continuing despite the hurdles and challenges it had to face recently, is an excellent news for fans and players alike. These are extremely difficult times for so many and we understand things may not always run as smoothly as they normally do. But the event organisers have done a tremendous job to relocate the event and organise all the logistics in such a short time.

“In this background, I am excited to be a part of this league, happy to represent my city of birth and look forward to playing my part in the success of this league. It is saddening that the event couldn't be hosted in Pakistan but hopefully I will get another opportunity to play amongst all the fans who have stuck with Pakistani cricket through thick and thin.

“The team did really well in Karachi, we are in with a real chance of securing one of the top two playoff berths. Hopefully I can contribute and add to the team success in this second half of the tournament under captain Shadab Khan. We have a great opportunity to win a third trophy and cement our spot as the most successful side in HBL PSL history.”
 
Media reports say that players, supporting staff, PSL management who reached Abu Dhabi from Pakistan have tested negative for the on arrival COVID-19 test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the players and officials have undergone two COVID-19 tests after reaching Abu Dhabi for the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6.

According to a PCB official, the first test was conducted after the team’s landing at the Abu Dhabi Airport on Thursday while the second test was conducted on Friday morning.

“We have been told that only the players and officials turning positive will be intimated about test report. Till that time, all tests stand negative as there was no intimation,” the official said.

However, all the cricketers are currently quarantining in their respective rooms at two different locations after their arrival in Abu Dhabi.

“We are being looked after well and were given a resounding welcome upon arrival here,” he added.

“After the arrival of remaining players, we would be in a position to know as to when the PSL matches will be given thumbs up. Till the time all the players reach here, the PCB will not release the much-awaited schedule,” he said.

https://www.bolnews.com/sports/2021...rwent-two-covid-tests-currently-quarantining/
 
Some good news from media reports:

8 broadcasters from India have landed in Ras-El-Khaimah where they will drive to Abu Dhabi and undergo isolation.

The next batch of Indian and SA broadcasters are expected tomorrow
 
KARACHI: A chartered plane from South Africa carrying players and Karachi Kings’ head coach Herschelle Gibbs has reached Abu Dhabi where Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6’s completion phase will take place.

Quetta Gladiators’ Mohammad Nawaz, Faf Du Plessis and Cameron Delport, Multan Sultans’ Rilee Rossouw, and Peshawar Zalmi’s David Miller were also on board. All six people have reached Abu Dhabi safely and entered the bio-secured bubble.

Meanwhile, a chartered plane from India carrying broadcasters has also reached Ras-El-Khaima. They will now travel to Abu Dhabi via bus and join the tournament’s bio-secured bubble.

It must be noted here that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still waiting for visas of 25 people in Pakistan. These 25 people include Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Musa Khan, and others.

ARY
 
PCB have confirmed that:

All players who travelled to the UAE from South Africa have arrived in Abu Dhabi

These players include Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw and Cameron Delport.

In addition, Herschelle Gibbs and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz also arrived in the UAE from South Africa.

In the meantime, Johnson Charles and Darren Sammy of the West Indies have left New York for Abu Dhabi.

South African broadcast crew have also left for the UAE, whilst eight broadcasters from India have arrived in the UAE.
 
Media reports indicate that Sarfaraz Ahmed and a few other cricketers and PCB officials have been granted UAE Visas.

So out of 25 individuals stranded in Pakistan, 16 have been granted a UAE visit visa and will be leaving for Abu Dhabi through a regular commercial flight Via Doha, Qatar
 
Media reports indicate that Sarfaraz Ahmed and a few other cricketers and PCB officials have been granted UAE Visas.

So out of 25 individuals stranded in Pakistan, 16 have been granted a UAE visit visa and will be leaving for Abu Dhabi through a regular commercial flight Via Doha, Qatar

I suppose if the quarantine protocols in the UAE are tight for players travelling on a commercial flight, it shouldn't be a problem.
 
Per the PCB:

  • 16 more people from Lahore and Karachi hotels ready to leave for UAE
  • Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfraz Ahmed and six others in Karachi will leave for Abu Dhabi around 4 am.
  • Quetta Gladiators fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain's name also included in the list of 6 passengers.
  • The 10 people in the Lahore hotel will also leave Lahore for Abu Dhabi
  • Fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Musa Khan, Mohammad Haris and Aamir Khan will leave Lahore for Abu Dhabi around 4 am.
  • All these passengers will reach Abu Dhabi via Doha
  • The PCB has obtained special permission for all of them to travel on commercial flights
 
LAHORE: The tentative date for the resumption of the HBL-Pakistan Super League 6 season, which was halted due to Covid-19, is now June 9 or 10 instead of June 5 after five cricketers, two coaches and eight Indian broadcasters were only able to reach the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

South Africans Faf Du Plessis, Riley Roussow, Cameron Delport and David Miller along with Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz were among the players whose flights landed at various airports on Saturday. Also arriving in Abu Dhabi were South African coaches Herschelle Gibbs and Michael Smith.

Initially 25 broadcasters from India and 27 players, coaches and broadcasters from South Africa were due to arrive in the UAE on chartered flights on May 26 with the Pakistan Cricket Board planning to start the remaining 20 matches of the PSL season from June 5.

But with both countries 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 by Sunday and since they have to complete a 10-day quarantine period, the resumption of the season will not be possible by June 5.

The PCB is waiting for issuance of visas for more Pakistani players and officials, who are due to leave for the UAE via a chartered flights from Lahore and Karachi.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2021
 
Commercial flights instead of chartered flights.

People stuck in Pakistan without visas.

Not great this at the moment.
 
More from PCB:

Five people including fast bowler Muhammad Hasnain left Karachi for Abu Dhabi

Sarfraz Ahmed from Karachi and all ten from Lahore could not get clearance to travel to Abu Dhabi

All of them were scheduled to leave for Abu Dhabi by commercial flights at around 4am this morning

Abu Dhabi Sports Council had given special permission to PCB to send 16 people from Pakistan to UAE

PCB have contacted Abu Dhabi Sports Council for clearance of all persons

The PCB is also considering alternative options for their early departure to the UAE
 
Tournament taan start hon waali ae par schedule da pata koi na.PCB will always remain incompetent.
 
If season restarts june 9 or 10 and must finish by June 20. Then its silly to play full remaining schedule. Play the IU vs LQ game so that each team will have played 5 games. Then top two get bye into playoff. 3 plays 6 and 4 plays 5 in first round eliminator. Winners go on to play normal qualifier/eliminator round with top two teams. That way you have 7 games in 10 days. More manageable schedule, and higher quality cricket. I played golf ind Dubai on Friday at 5pm. It was 45 degrees with 60% humidity. Its silly to be playing two matches everyday!
 
If season restarts june 9 or 10 and must finish by June 20. Then its silly to play full remaining schedule. Play the IU vs LQ game so that each team will have played 5 games. Then top two get bye into playoff. 3 plays 6 and 4 plays 5 in first round eliminator. Winners go on to play normal qualifier/eliminator round with top two teams. That way you have 7 games in 10 days. More manageable schedule, and higher quality cricket. I played golf ind Dubai on Friday at 5pm. It was 45 degrees with 60% humidity. Its silly to be playing two matches everyday!
Then it's a lottery for Quetta & Multan
Islu & lahore may object
 
Sarfaraz reportedly unhappy with PCB over visa clearance

Karachi: Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed his disappointment to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, reports suggested.

The wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz was due to travel to Abu Dhabi during the wee hours of Sunday morning, however, he didn’t get clearance for travelling and returned back to the hotel.

Gladiators’ owner Nadeem Omer blamed PCB over the incident, citing their incompetence but avoided staging a major protest for the sake of league’s reputation.

It must be noted that PCB announced that 16 individuals (6 from Karachi and 10 from Lahore) will travel to Abu Dhabi by commercial flights but only five individuals, including Mohammad Hasnain, travelled. 10 people in Lahore were also left stranded at the airport.

Meanwhile, the travel documents of the remaining individuals in Karachi and Lahore have been completed and PCB is awaiting Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s approval.

They will travel as soon as PCB receives green signal from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council

https://arysports.tv/sarfaraz-reportedly-unhappy-pcb-visa-clearance/
 
20 matches - at the moment in 13 or 14 days, to allow time for UAE quarantine and UK quarantine.

Cutting it fine, but not out of control at the moment I reckon.
 
PCB statement:

12 individuals will leave isolation from Lahore for Abu Dhabi soon

Cricketers Naseem Shah, Musa Khan, Mohammad Haris and Aamir Khan are among the 12 individuals

All these individuals will arrive in Abu Dhabi via Bahrain on a commercial flight

Of the 12, 10 are those who were unable to leave for Abu Dhabi in the morning due to lack of clearance

After getting visas, 2 more people have joined these passengers

a further 2 more people have joined the passengers for Abu Dhabi
 
Do these Franchise Owners and players realize that these are unprecedented times with Covid, travel restrictions? Not everything is in the PCBs hands but they are doing their best in a tough situation and they can't control what the UAE authorities are responsible for.

Why can't they shut up and avoid leaking reports in the media lashing out at PCBs incompetency? It is their fault that the bio secure bubble got breached in khi in the first place
 
Do these Franchise Owners and players realize that these are unprecedented times with Covid, travel restrictions? Not everything is in the PCBs hands but they are doing their best in a tough situation and they can't control what the UAE authorities are responsible for.

Why can't they shut up and avoid leaking reports in the media lashing out at PCBs incompetency? It is their fault that the bio secure bubble got breached in khi in the first place

Sarfraz Ahmed is a big drama queen. No wonder he is leaking everything in the media as the lobby needs some info from him always.
 
After consulting the HBL PSL 6 medical panel and taking into consideration that approval has been obtained to fly the remaining 13 players and officials on commercial flights from Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made arrangements to move these personnel to their respective homes.

The decision has been made to allow the players and officials to spend time with their families as there can potentially be some more delays in the issuance of the remaining visas. As soon as the visas are processed, the players will undergo the mandatory PCR tests before boarding the first available commercial flight.

Meanwhile, five players and officials arrived in Abu Dhabi from Karachi this afternoon via Doha, while 12 players and officials will leave Lahore on Sunday evening before arriving in Abu Dhabi via Bahrain on Monday morning.

These 17 individuals were flown as per the exemption acquired from the UAE government.

PCB Director – Commercial and HBL PSL 6 head Babar Hamid: “We regret the inconvenience that has been caused to some players and officials, but these have been due to unforeseen circumstances and unexpected challenges.

“The PCB is working hand in glove with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board, and trying its best to get all participants in Abu Dhabi in time so that we can hold the remaining tournament.”
 
After consulting the HBL PSL 6 medical panel and taking into consideration that approval has been obtained to fly the remaining 13 players and officials on commercial flights from Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made arrangements to move these personnel to their respective homes.

The decision has been made to allow the players and officials to spend time with their families as there can potentially be some more delays in the issuance of the remaining visas. As soon as the visas are processed, the players will undergo the mandatory PCR tests before boarding the first available commercial flight.

Meanwhile, five players and officials arrived in Abu Dhabi from Karachi this afternoon via Doha, while 12 players and officials will leave Lahore on Sunday evening before arriving in Abu Dhabi via Bahrain on Monday morning.

These 17 individuals were flown as per the exemption acquired from the UAE government.

PCB Director – Commercial and HBL PSL 6 head Babar Hamid: “We regret the inconvenience that has been caused to some players and officials, but these have been due to unforeseen circumstances and unexpected challenges.

“The PCB is working hand in glove with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board, and trying its best to get all participants in Abu Dhabi in time so that we can hold the remaining tournament.”

There is news making rounds that these players might not even go to UAE.
 
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] Please update about latest developments in UAE? Media is reporting that some Indian broadcasters sent back to Dubai because of some violation.
 
The ongoing Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six is likely to face further delays, after issues raised by the department of health of Abu Dhabi against Indian broadcasters, who have been tasked to cover the event.

According to sources, the issue relates to the number of days spent in isolation by the Indian broadcasters.

Also, the announcement of the schedule relies on the clearance status of these Indian broadcasters.

Sources added that high-level officials are busy in trying to solve the issue however their efforts have not succeeded thus far. The Indian broadcasters have also been kicked out of the hotel in Abu Dhabi and have been transferred to Dubai. The health department of Abu Dhabi informed the broadcasters that they could not stay there. The individuals were sent to Dubai, two days after arrival.

The broadcasters are an integral part of the event. Without them, the whole event comes under jeopardy.

An important meeting between PCB officials and PSL franchises will also take place today, inorder to address the issue.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...roadcasters-likely-to-further-delay-hbl-psl-6
 
Pakistan Cricket Board and the franchise owners this afternoon met in an online session to discuss the progress made in the staging of the remaining 20 HBL PSL 6 matches. During the session, the PCB also provided a number of updates.

Some of the updates provided and decisions made are:

• Pakistan men’s team to now depart for England on 25 June instead of 23 June

• HBL PSL 6 to now end on 24 June instead of 20 June, as planned earlier

• Departure for England on 25 June will mean only three double-headers, if the event commences on 7 June

• Franchises updated on the 16 production company crew, who are now isolating in Dubai after being allowed entry in Abu Dhabi last week

• NCEMA to decide on Wednesday afternoon if they will grant exemptions to 16 production crew to work in Abu Dhabi from 5 June to make 7 June start possible

• PCB to continue to engage with the Abu Dhabi government

• Franchise owners appreciate PCB efforts and acknowledge the hardships faced in the present landscape

• Franchise owners keen for the remaining matches to be played in the UAE

• Sarfaraz Ahmed and six others land in Abu Dhabi

• Multan Sultans include Blessing Muzarabani in place of Obed McCoy

• Seven-day isolation for those who arrived on charter flights from Pakistan ends on Wednesday afternoon

• Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars to train on Wednesday under Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium lights
 
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared three possible schedules with franchises for the resumption of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 6.

According to the sources, June 7, 8, and 9 are under consideration to resume the event. Final will be played on June 24 as PCB is in contact with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to delay the Pakistan team’s traveling.

The cricket board has requested Abu Dhabi’s health ministry to allow the Indian crew to start installing production set-up at Sheikh Zayed Stadium from June 5. The ministry will make a decision on this matter tomorrow.

If PCB gets permission, the event can commence from June 7, otherwise, a further delay is expected. More double-headers will take place in all three possibilities.

Meanwhile, the teams have been given a green signal to start training from Wednesday. Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars will be allowed to start training tomorrow.
 
Seems like 7th of June

Think there was a big communication gap between the board, players and the broadcasters here.
They should have briefed them about the protocols and the change of flight from chartered to commercial at the eleventh hour seems amateurish. Don't know how could these such highly paid people be so casual and informal about their work.

Surely the foreign players who have already reached UAE must be thinking, what's going on in pcb
 
Pretty confusing time for Hammad Azam at the moment as he told PakPassion.net:

"When I got the contract (with PSL) I thought the visa would be granted in 1-2 days; My family had come over to England via Turkey after some difficulty and their quarantine here was just ending but because of this contract, I sent them back to Pakistan!

"Now the family is gone, my luggage is packed but I am stuck here; The Club is nice to me but since I have told them I am not available now, so in a way my contract has been terminated; I have been waiting here for 10 days but the visa has still not been granted, so I hope that happens and things move on"
 
Pretty confusing time for Hammad Azam at the moment as he told PakPassion.net:

"When I got the contract (with PSL) I thought the visa would be granted in 1-2 days; My family had come over to England via Turkey after some difficulty and their quarantine here was just ending but because of this contract, I sent them back to Pakistan!

"Now the family is gone, my luggage is packed but I am stuck here; The Club is nice to me but since I have told them I am not available now, so in a way my contract has been terminated; I have been waiting here for 10 days but the visa has still not been granted, so I hope that happens and things move on"

This will be a travesty, I'm itching to see this boy and have been really happy how he's played this past season. InshAllah Hammad gets it and i get to see this lad play.
 
Its hard to blame the PCB here...this pandemic is all over thr world. Copa america was suppose to start in colombia ..then moved to argentina then moved again to brazil. Everywhere is been affected
 
Do you see the Indian media, IPL franchises and IPL players gang up on the BCCI whenever the IPL is postponed, suspended or subject to delays? No, everyone behaves and acts Indians

But our Pakistani people and players just talk too much and have very little care about the country as long as they get their 5 minutes of personal glory
 
It's heading towards a 2 matches per day, every day scenario and that cannot be a good thing for the PSL.
 
It's heading towards a 2 matches per day, every day scenario and that cannot be a good thing for the PSL.

As things stands anything would do,. just get this thing done somehow for goodness sake.
 
I read reports that Sharjah had less strictions so why didn't they chose this venue?
 
From PCB:

The remaining matches of HBL PSL 6 will be played in Abu Dhabi from June 9 to 24

6 double headers will be played during the event, including qualifier and Eliminator 1

The matches of the tournament will start at 8 pm UAE time (9 pm Pakistan time)

The first match on the day of double headers will start at 5 pm UAE time (6 pm Pakistan time)

On the day of double headers, the second match will start at 10 pm (11 pm Pakistan time)

The full schedule of the remaining matches of the tournament will be released shortly
 
Remaining HBL PSL 6 matches from 9-24 June in Abu Dhabi

• There will be six double-headers, including the 21 June Qualifier and Eliminator 1; Pakistan side to depart for Manchester on 25 June from Abu Dhabi

• “Since its inception in 2016, the HBL PSL has embraced and overcome numerous challenges, emerging as a stronger and competitive league year-on-year,” says Wasim Khan

• “Our long and excellent relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Ehsan Mani led to this development, which has won our government's support with all the necessary exemptions and approvals,” says His Excellency Aref Al Awani

• “ECB is pleased to once again host the HBL PSL matches in the UAE as this is the place where HBL PSL was launched six years ago,” says Khalid Al Zarooni

• For updates on HBL PSL, please click here; for other information, please visit PCB corporate site www.pcb.com.pk

Abu Dhabi, 3 June 2021:

The remaining HBL Pakistan Super League 6 matches will be played in Abu Dhabi from 9-24 June, before the Pakistan men’s side’s departure for Manchester from the UAE capital on 25 June.

There will be six double-headers – five of them during the preliminary round and the sixth on 21 June, when Qualifier and Eliminator 1 matches will be played. These matches will start at 1700 UAE time (1800 PKT time) and 2200 UAE time (2300 PKT time), respectively, while the single-headers will begin at 2000 UAE time (2100 PKT time).

On 9 June, fourth-placed Lahore Qalandars will meet third-placed Islamabad United in what will be the 15th match of the tournament.

The delayed start due to logistical and operational challenges that were beyond the PCB’s control will allow the sides sufficient time to train, practice and gear up for the biggest prize in Pakistan’s cricket calendar.

United and Qalandars resumed training on Wednesday evening, while the other four sides will start training from Thursday. Players and player support personnel, who have completed the mandatory seven-day room isolation and returned three negative tests, are allowed to integrate with their sides and participate in training sessions.

To make this schedule work in the best interest of the event, players, commercial partners and franchises, the PCB, in consultation with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has agreed to delay the departure of the Pakistan men’s side’s players and players support personnel from Abu Dhabi to 25 June.

The side will arrive on Manchester from where they will be transported to Derby for the mandatory room isolation period and training session. The side will move to Cardiff on 6 July where the first One-Day International will be played on 8 July.

Revised HBL PSL 6 match schedule is (all matches at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. Single matches to start at 2000 UAE time; double-headers to start at 1700 UAE time and 2200 UAE time, respectively):

3-8 June - Practice
9 June - Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United
10 June - Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings; Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars
11 June - Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators
12 June - Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi
13 June - Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars; Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi
14 June - Islamabad United v Karachi Kings
15 June - Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars; Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings
16 June - Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators
17 June - Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi; Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars
18 June - Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars
19 June - Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings; Multan Sultans v Islamabad United
20 June - Practice
21 Jun - Qualifier (1 v 2); Eliminator 1 (3 v 4)
22 Jun - Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1)
23 June – Rest/practice
24 Jun – Final

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “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. Everyone has worked tirelessly to find solutions and way forward, and I am delighted that we are now in a positon to announce the complete schedule.

“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.

“I can assure all the fans that our priority was always to deliver the complete tournament in Pakistan. However, due to extenuating circumstances we had to shift from that thinking for the remaining matches. Continuing to give the fans access to watch our emerging talent play alongside and against some of the world’s very best will remain a priority for the HBL PSL 7 in 2022.

“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.”

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council: “The hosting of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 is a great promotional boost for Abu Dhabi and its exceptional sporting facilities and expertise. Our long and excellent relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board and Ehsan Mani led to this development, which has won our government's support with all the necessary exemptions and approvals.

“On behalf of everyone at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, let me welcome all competitors and wish them the very best of luck. I know their cricketing skills will entertain fans here and around the globe and help progress the sport in the UAE by attracting new and younger audiences.”

Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman – Emirates Cricket Board: “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.

“Over the years UAE has developed as a preferred destination for playing cricket because of its infrastructure and ease of operations. Together with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Cricket, we will try and live up to this expectation at the HBL PSL 6 matches. I wish PCB success and look forward to witnessing high quality cricket.”

Points table (as on 4 March, after 14 matches):

Team Matches Won Lost Points NNR
Karachi Kings 5 3 2 6 0.697
Peshawar Zalmi 5 3 2 6 0.273
Islamabad United 4 3 1 6 0.202
Lahore Qalandars 4 3 1 6 0.085
Multan Sultans 5 1 4 2 -0.244
Quetta Gladiators 5 1 4 2 -0.936

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And the management circus keep going, why not choose sharjah, with lesser restrictions, why PCB always have 5 hour difference between matches on double-header days when IPL with more sponsor and commercial time manage 4 hour difference, even with super overs included, almost 50 Pak local fans will be asleep at 11 PM,, it could be easily 10 PM Pak time for second match. Eyeballs will be a lot less for second match, more so far last inning. In summer sunrise time in PAK is 5 AM.
 
Sharjah is too small of a ground. Their hotels for three weeks are not adequate i believe. It was always going to be Dubai or Abu Dhabhi
 
The six franchise owners have once again reiterated their support and backing for the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board, while expressing their delight with the resumption of the tournament on 9 June.

Below is what the team owners had to say following Wednesday’s online session in which details of the remaining 20 matches in Abu Dhabi were confirmed.

Islamabad United’s Ali Naqvi: “The HBL Pakistan Super League is Pakistan’s marquee event. I am delighted that after days of hard work and overcoming all surprises, we are now ready to resume the tournament on 9 June. Nothing comes easy in life, and I think this event has tested the patience, crisis management and event planning skills of the PCB as well as all the team owners to the limits.

“The silver-lining in the 9 June start is that all the players will get a week of training and practice, which will help them put up their best performance and justify the decision of the PCB and the team owners to hold the tournament in Abu Dhabi.”

Karachi Kings’ Salman Iqbal: “We all need to understand these are unprecedented and evolving times. What remains unchanged is that this is Pakistan’s league and it is our collective obligation that we make it a success.

“I am happy that after days of hard work and overcoming unexpected challenges, the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 is ready to resume on 9 June. Let’s all get behind this and help this brand get stronger and bigger than ever.”

Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana: “We completely understand the challenges PCB had to overcome to schedule the remaining HBL Pakistan Super League 6 matches in the available time in the UAE. We know the PCB has worked extremely hard to make this event happen and are pleased that we have finally reached a situation when the tournament is about to resume.

“Throughout the process, we worked collectively as it is our league and it is our collective responsibility to make it a success.”

Multan Sultans’ Alamgir Khan Tareen: “I know all the players and support personnel are delighted with the news of the 9 June start as they were desperate to get on to the field and show their talent.

“The remaining matches will surely provide the fans with some exciting and absorbing action with some of the best players on display. I remain confident that the commercial partners will also benefit from the remaining 20 matches, the Pakistan players will get quality cricket under their belt before their departure for the United Kingdom and, in the end, it will be cricket that will be the winner.”

Peshawar Zalmi’s Javed Afridi: “These are times where we need to accept, adjust and adopt. An earlier start with less double-headers could have been an ideal option but this solution was not available to the PCB due to certain issues that were beyond their control.

“All is well that ends well, let the show begin on 9 June and I hope we will have exciting and thrilling cricket that will truly be the reward for the tough and testing days in putting the event together.”

Quetta Gladiators’ Nadeem Omar: “Holding the event offshore in these difficult times at a short notice is not an easy job. In this background and despite the uncertainty in the past few days, I am pleased we are now ready to take-off and finish the tournament.

“I am particularly pleased with the 9 June start as it gives time to our captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to complete the room isolation period and be prepared to lead the side as we aim to bounce back strongly and finish the preliminary round matches inside the top-four.”
 
SLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan organizers view the remainder of the country’s premier limited-overs league being staged in the United Arab Emirates as a perfect rehearsal for the International Cricket Council in case the Twenty20 World Cup has to be moved out of India because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan said the PSL is an ideal precursor in terms of logistics and planning.

The ICC has already lined up the United Arab Emirates as the backup venue for the Twenty20 World Cup if India can’t stage it on home soil starting in mid-October.

India has asked for a month to weight its options before letting cricket’s international governing body know whether its viable to host the event in India in less than five months.

The lucrative Indian Premier League had to be suspended last month when players inside the so-called bio-secure bubble started testing positive for COVID-19 and infection rates soared in parts of the country.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India plans to finish off the IPL in the U.A.E prior to the Twenty20 World Cup, and recently sent top officials to the Emirates to make preparations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had to overcome logistical and operational obstacles to get the Pakistan Super League’s remaining 20 matches going. The tournament has been relocated to Abu Dhabi and will restart from June 9. The final is scheduled for June 24 before the Pakistan squad flies to England for limited-overs series.

The PSL was postponed in March after several players and support staff were tested positive for the coronavirus.

The tournament was scheduled to resume on June 5 but some operation hurdles, including strict quarantines rules in Abu Dhabi and a delay in securing visas for its production crew, mostly flown from India, pushed it back another few days.

But Khan said all those obstacles were overcome after the PCB worked closely with the Emirates Cricket Board, and it could help ICC to plan the Twenty20 World Cup in the U.A.E.

“The logistical challenges that we found will be similar challenges, bringing more countries over from different parts of the world for the World Cup in the UAE,” Khan told the Associated Press. The PSL “is a perfect precursor leading into the ICC decision, which is strongly considering U.A.E as the venue,” for the T20 World Cup.

The top PCB official said most of the ICC member nations would be comfortable playing the event in the U.A.E.

“Ultimately it’s a decision for the ICC, but right now, if you ask me, I would say that it’s likely to probably take place in the U.A.E,” Khan said.

Cricket officials are hopeful the coronavirus situation will improve in Pakistan in coming months ahead of scheduled tours by New Zealand, England and West Indies. Australia is also due to tour Pakistan next February for the first time in 22 years.

“Certainly in 4 or 5 months’ time, we expect everything to be better in Pakistan from a COVID perspective,” Khan said. “We’ve got a huge amount of cricket coming up … and all the countries are relishing the opportunity of coming over.”

Security concerns that prevented foreign teams touring Pakistan have subsided, with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and South Africa playing limited-overs and test matches in Pakistan in recent seasons. Visiting teams are now more focused on secure bio-security bubbles in the pandemic.

“Security is no longer the No. 1 issue that people are asking about,” Khan said. “When South Africa were due to come and Zimbabwe, the question they were asking about was the (coronavirus) protocols — no longer about security.”

While Pakistan successfully hosted South Africa and Zimbabwe during the pandemic, it couldn’t maintain the impenetrable bio-secure bubble in Karachi during the PSL in March.

Khan said a PCB investigation later found “some holes or gaps that were created within the implementation of the actual bio-security that we’d created.”

But he added that similar breaches were found in other international events, including the Australian Open tennis tournament and English Premier League.

“This is a global phenomenon and cricket is not exempt from that,” Khan said.

The Pakistan board has hired an international firm with experience in the IPL and with the English Cricket Board to manage the bio-secure bubble for the remainder of the PSL.

“We know we’re in safe hands with them,” he said. “We are doing everything we can from a bio-bubble perspective, both at the ground and also at the hotels … and make sure that we make this as watertight as possible.”

https://apnews.com/article/sports-m...ica-pakistan-b90b9fe8674f0d3db46e0d7708c9302a
 
Four players still awaiting permission to travel (UAE visas)

In UK:

Hammas Azam and Khalid Usman

In Pakistan:

Umar Amin and Asif Afridi


Capture.JPG
 
Four players still awaiting permission to travel (UAE visas)

In UK:

Hammas Azam and Khalid Usman

In Pakistan:

Umar Amin and Asif Afridi


View attachment 109417

And a similar situation with Imran Randhawa.

I wonder if PCB are interested in these people getting visas - seem to have been forgotten.

Sarfaraz seem to have some backing from QG owners but nothing for these guys.
 
Sources close to Mohammad Imran Randhawa are saying that he's had a visa since 31st but nobody has organised his flight and travel arrangements to Abu Dhabi.
 
The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced match officials for the remaining 20 matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 which will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi from Wednesday, 9 June to Thursday, 24 June.

Pakistan’s senior most umpire Aleem Dar who is also one of the most distinguished members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires will join six members of the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires for the Abu Dhabi-leg.

The six local umpires are Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob (PCB Umpire of 2020), Faisal Khan Afridi, Rashid Riaz, Shozab Raza and Zameer Haider.

PCB match referee elite panelists Ali Naqvi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Javed Malik and Muhammad Anees will lead the playing control teams in Abu Dhabi.

The first match of the Abu Dhabi-leg between Lahore Qalandars and the 2016 and 2018 champions Islamabad United will be umpired by Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz, while Shozab Raza will be the third umpire and Faisal Afridi, the fourth umpire. Muhammad Anees will be the match referee.

The June 24 final will be umpired by Aleem and Ahsan with Asif the third umpire. Rashid will be the fourth umpire while Anees will be the match referee.

Umpires and match referees:

PCB Elite Panel of Umpires - Ahsan Raza (Lahore), Asif Yaqoob (Islamabad), Faisal Khan Afridi (Sargodha), Rashid Riaz (Lahore), Shozab Raza (Lahore), and Zameer Haider (Lahore).

ICC Elite Panel of Umpires – Aleem Dar

PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees - Ali Naqvi (Lahore), Iftikhar Ahmed (Karachi), Muhammad Anees (Lahore), and Mohammad Javed Malik (Multan)

Umpires and match referees appointments (all matches at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. Single matches to start at 2000 UAE time; double-headers to start at 1700 UAE time and 2200 UAE time, respectively):

9 June - Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)

10 June - Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings. Aleem Dar and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Ali Naqvi (match referee); Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Ali Naqvi match referee

11 June - Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators. Aleem Dar and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee)

12 June - Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi. Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)

13 June - Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars. Shozab Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee); Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

14 June - Islamabad United v Karachi Kings. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Ali Naqvi (match referee)

15 June - Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee); Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings. Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)

16 June - Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators. Aleem Dar and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

17 June - Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi. Shozab Raza and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee); Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars. Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)

18 June - Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars. Aleem Dar and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee)

19 June - Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings. Shozab Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee); Multan Sultans v Islamabad United. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Zameer Haider (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee)

21 June - Qualifier (1 v 2). Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee); Eliminator 1 (3 v 4). Aleem Dar and Shozab Raza (on-field umpire), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Ahsan Raza (fourth umpire), Javed Malik (match referee)

22 June - Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1). Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Shozab Raza (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)

24 June – Final. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire), Muhammad Anees (match referee)
 
Four more players were issued UAE visas

Umar Amin, Hammad Azam, Khalid Usman and Asif Afridi received visas

Arrangements are being made to fly the four cricketers to Abu Dhabi on the first available flight

Only one cricketer Mohammad Imran Randhawa's visa has not been issued yet

As soon as the visa is issued, the departure of Imran Randhawa to Abu Dhabi will also be finalized
 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Practice match result:<br><br>Quetta Gladiators 137 all out from 20 overs (M Umar 3-22)<br><br>Multan Sultans 111 all out from 18.2 overs (Johnson Charles 33, Shimron Hetmyer 23, K Shehzad 2-5, Naseem Shah 2-20, Zahid Mehmood 2-15)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1401946778719735809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The HBL Pakistan Super League is a resilient event that gets stronger and bigger each year. The 2021 edition is a perfect example of this statement when its resumption overcame all logistical and operational challenges and hurdles to be ready to reconnect with its fans and supporters. HBL PSL 6 will now dominate the television screens over the next 16 days at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

On Wednesday, Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will go toe to toe with the match to start at 2100 PKT time (2000 UAE time). This will be their first encounter in the HBL PSL 6 with their repeat match scheduled for Sunday, 13 June.

Both Qalandars and United, along with Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, are locked at six points apiece. But, the two sides have played one less match as compared with Kings and Zalmi, meaning Wednesday’s winner will go top of the points table after halfway stage in the competition.

The HBL PSL is returning to UAE where it was born in 2016. The 2017 edition’s final was held in Lahore.

The last three games of the 2018 edition were held in Pakistan, last eight matches of the 2019 event were held in Karachi despite the closure of air corridors and operational challenges following the Pulwama incident.

The entire 2020 tournament was held from start to finish across four Pakistan venues despite an interruption due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In the 2020 tournament, a large number of foreign internationals participated, including those who had previously refused to travel to Pakistan.

Their participation was a testament and endorsement of the security situation in Pakistan as well as trust and confidence over Pakistan’s security as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The challenges from the remaining 20 HBL PSL 6 matches emanated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and South Africa being on the United Arab Emirates’ red-list. A number of exemptions and approvals were obtained, some of which were revoked at the last-minute.

Nevertheless, with the support of the Abu Dhabi and Pakistan Governments, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board, the PCB was able to resolve all outstanding matters and is now ready to take this thrilling and fast-paced cricket to its fans through digital media as the event will be held in front of empty stands.

However, the PCB has committed that the 2022 tournament will be held in Pakistan and with the improved Covid-19 situation, it is envisaged the matches will be in front of the crowds.

A number of leading international stars will be featuring in the remaining 20 matches, including Usman Khawaja (Islamabad United), Faf du Plessis (Quetta Gladiators), Martin Guptill (Karachi Kings), David Miller (Peshawar Zalmi), Shimron Hetmyer (Multan Sultans) and Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars).

They will be joined by Pakistan’s white-ball experts as well as emerging stars, including Babar Azam, Arshad Iqbal, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sharjeel Khan and Usman Qadir.

These players have been named in Pakistan men’s squads for the three T20Is against England and five T20Is against world champions the West Indies.

Like the tours to England and the West Indies and upcoming home series against New Zealand and England, the HBL PSL 6 will help the players as well as selectors and coaching staff to edge closer to giving final shape to their side for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is expected to be played in the UAE.

The event is ready, the players are raring to go and so are the fans to get behind their favourite cricketers and side as the next 16 days, the talk will be HBL PSL 6 and who will be lift the glittering trophy on 24 June under Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium lights. For now, both Qalandars and United’s camps are ready for the action on Wednesday night

Lahore Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar: “We are really excited about restarting the HBL PSL 6 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. This venue has been a lucky one both for me and the team.

“We have worked hard and have gauged the conditions well in the last few days. We have a formidable squad despite the changes in our foreign players and we will play the brand of cricket that has helped us make a big impact in the last season as well as the Karachi-leg of the HBL PSL 6.

“All teams are balanced in the tournament and I am sure we will see some real quality cricket, in the Qalandars camp, we are fully focussed on winning the trophy.”

Assistant Coach Islamabad United Saeed Ajmal: “We have been practicing for the last four, five days, the team looks well prepared and gelled together. We are fully prepared for the match tomorrow, having practiced hard under the floodlights too. We have gauged the conditions well and hope to give our best on Wednesday.

“Our players look fit and are raring to go, Hasan Ali has looked in great form and rhythm and so has Faheem Ashraf. Colin Munro has also looked in good shape in the nets. I am very confident that we will give Lahore Qalandars a tough time in the match.”

HBL PSL 6 squads for Abu Dhabi-leg:

Final squads (in alphabetical order):

Islamabad United – Shadab Khan (c), Ahmed Saifi Abdullah, Ali Khan, Akif Javed, Asif Ali, Brandon King, Colin Munro, Fawad Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Akhlaq, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir, Umar Amin, Usman Khawaja, Zafar Gohar and Zeeshan Zameer

Karachi Kings - Imad Wasim (c), Abbas Afridi, Amir Yamin, Arshad Iqbal, Babar Azam, Chadwick Walton, Danish Aziz, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Haris, Thisara Perera, Najeebullah Zadran, Noor Ahmed, Qasim Akram, Sharjeel Khan, Waqas Maqsood and Zeeshan Malik

Lahore Qalandars – Sohail Akhtar (c), Ahmed Danyal, Ben Dunk, Callum Ferguson, Dilbar Hussain, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, James Faulkner, Maaz Khan, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Seekuge Prasana, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sultan Ahmed, Tim David, Zaid Alam and Zeeshan Ashraf

Multan Sultans– Mohammad Rizwan (c), Asif Afridi, Hammad Azam, Imran Tahir, Imran Khan Snr, Johnson Charles, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Umar, Blessing Muzarabani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rilee Rossouw, Shahnawaz Dhani, Shan Masood, Shimron Hetmyer (partially available), Sohaib Maqsood, Sohaibullah, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir and Muhammad Waseem

Peshawar Zalmi– Wahab Riaz (c), Abrar Ahmed, Amad Butt, Bismillah Khan, David Miller (partially available), Fabian Allen (partially available), Fidel Edwards (partially available), Haider Ali, Hazratullah Zazai, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Irfan Snr, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik, Umaid Asif and Waqar Salamkheil

Quetta Gladiators – Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Abdul Nasir, Andre Russell (partially available), Arish Ali Khan, Azam Khan, Cameron Delport, Faf du Plessis, Hassan Khan, Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Usman Shinwari, Zahid Mahmood and Zahir Khan


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Practice Match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings:

It was agreed that Kings would bowl first and the match was 12 a side.

PZ: bowled out for 73 in 13.3 overs
Bowling:
Arshad 3/6 in 2 overs
Abbas 2/13 in 2
Perera 2/21 in 2.3
Imad 2/21 in 3
Yamin 1/6 in 1 over

It was agreed that the target for KK would be 130.

Batting inning:
132/2 in 18.1
Babar 32 of 22
Sharjeel 36 of 24
Walton 30 of 22
 
Instead of IU, every other team has a good contingent of foreign players. In IU, we just have Munro and Khawaja, Ali Khan and Fawad Ahmed aren't even better than local players. Why isn't Paul Stirling not in the squad?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohammad Imran Randhawa:<br><br>Gave up a club contract in UK to play in the PSL<br><br>18 days he's been stuck in a hotel room in Lahore<br><br>Still no visa<br><br>Still no ticket to UAE<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1402541373102989316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Somethings are out of control. Surely in these tough times you are bound to get these kind of situations.
 
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