Remaining 20 games of PSL6 to be held in June in Karachi - good decision?

[OMB]

Lahore, 11 March 2021:

Pakistan Cricket Board and the Franchises, the PSL Governing Council, are aiming to reschedule the remaining 20 HBL Pakistan Super League 6 matches in June 2021 in Karachi. This was unanimously agreed by the six franchise owners and the PCB in a virtual meeting held on Thursday afternoon and after taking into consideration all factors relating to event organisation.

June emerged as the most preferred and practical window due to Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s international commitments in March/April and late August/September.

The remaining 20 matches in June are now being planned following the men’s national cricket team’s return from Zimbabwe on 13 May and before their departure for England on 26 June.

The PCB management will now look into the operational and logistical challenges and revert to the franchise owners and stakeholders.

 

[MenInG]

Good decision - get the SA series done and then finish up PSL.

 

[saeed5646]

I think considering weather it will be host in karachi only .

 

[ChTab]

Lahore, 11 March 2021:

Pakistan Cricket Board and the Franchises, the PSL Governing Council, are aiming to reschedule the remaining 20 HBL Pakistan Super League 6 matches in June 2021 in Karachi. This was unanimously agreed by the six franchise owners and the PCB in a virtual meeting held on Thursday afternoon and after taking into consideration all factors relating to event organisation.

June emerged as the most preferred and practical window due to Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s international commitments in March/April and late August/September.

The remaining 20 matches in June are now being planned following the men’s national cricket team’s return from Zimbabwe on 13 May and before their departure for England on 26 June.

The PCB management will now look into the operational and logistical challenges and revert to the franchise owners and stakeholders.

I thought Lahore would be the destination to host the remaining matches of PSL.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

So, the uncertainty around Asia Cup too has ended as it cant be held with neither IND nor PAK being free to play.

 

[OMB]

One more chance to get it right.
Logistical challenges include getting the expats back to the country.
What does the contract say if a player cannot return?

 

[Shoaibbtt]

It’s the dumbest time to do it honestly. Too hot in June.

 

[ChTab]

It’s the dumbest time to do it honestly. Too hot in June.

The world is getting too soft, it's T20 cricket & players will get a lot of money plus cricket is not like football where there's a constant need of running around. So I think players would be just fine.

 

[ataullah]

What is the players availability like? Better than feb? Either way they just keep disappointing us

 

[Zaz]

Isnt it like 40c in june?

 

[Mesozoic]

So no Asia cup? :

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

It all depends on availability of foreign players. Don't hold it with just local players.

 

[ChTab]

So no Asia cup? :

Almost no one cares about Asia Cup nowadays maybe apart from Bangladesh because it is the only tournament they have a slight chance of winning(although the current Bengali team has no chance of winning it either).

 

[b.lesner]

England have series with Srilanka in june
T20 blast starts in june even players like TOm kohler cadmore, Joe Clark and Tom abbel won't be available.
Ireland are playing Netherlands so no chance of Paul sterling.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

The world is getting too soft, it's T20 cricket & players will get a lot of money plus cricket is not like football where there's a constant need of running around. So I think players would be just fine.

You ever been to Pakistan in June? It’s never good weather always roasting.

 

[Sunzi]

Good luck playing in June lol.

 

[Mesozoic]

Almost no one cares about Asia Cup nowadays maybe apart from Bangladesh because it is the only tournament they have a slight chance of winning(although the current Bengali team has no chance of winning it either).

I'm pretty sure most people would care even if there's a remote possibility of an Indo-Pak fixture.

 

[ChTab]

You ever been to Pakistan in June? It’s never good weather always roasting.

I live in Pakistan & people here work around 8-10 hours daily on minimum wages in the blistering heat I'm sure players can do that for 3-4 hours a day with all the facilities & massive pay.

 

[ChTab]

I'm pretty sure most people would care even if there's a remote possibility of an Indo-Pak fixture.

Definitely, people would want to watch the Indo-Pak fixture but India won't even be able to send its C side because they are busy with WTC Final. So no point in holding Asia Cup at all.

 

[Rana]

Make

Sure

All

Participants

Are

Vaccinated

By Then.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

June seriously? It's extremely hot around then. Why couldn't they have fixed May during IPL season? Most international players also would be free to play then.

 

[AMSS]

I feel bad for players in IPL who'd be playing in May. June is the worst with humidity pouring in. Good luck.

 

[Babeikh]

Matches will probably start at 8pm so not too concerned about the heat at that time but players will presumably be expected to train etc as well during the day. Weather will be a huge negative factor. September would have been better but perhaps there are other clashes then?

If the only reason for not holding it in September is 'Javed Afridi wants it before September' then that isn't really a good enough reason but maybe there are other reasons.

 

[hitthestump]

The PCB have made their bed and now they have to lie in it. Holding a cricket tournament in the middle of a Pakistani summer is lol. Thousands die every year from the heat and these guys have no choice but amplify that by uprooting all normal functions in Karachi in order to play their PSL which nobody cares about anymore anyway. Well played guys.

 

[Hasan123]

PCB have enough time to plan this correctly. They need to ensure clear protocols are set and make sure if they aren't followed there is a punishment.

There won't be an excuses for the PCB if in June there is a good up.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

Really stupid & mind boggling decision..
Can only expect from incompetent Board like PCB.

 

[Pakhs]

Good decision it has to be postponed for the time being.. as health must take priority or cancelled all together.

 

[OMB]

Cash flow problems for Franchises? Hot season but no choices as it is busy schedule after July with England AFG and T20 in Nov.

 

[MenInG]

Poll added.

 

[saeed5646]

The PCB have made their bed and now they have to lie in it. Holding a cricket tournament in the middle of a Pakistani summer is lol. Thousands die every year from the heat and these guys have no choice but amplify that by uprooting all normal functions in Karachi in order to play their PSL which nobody cares about anymore anyway. Well played guys.

thousand ?

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I live in Pakistan & people here work around 8-10 hours daily on minimum wages in the blistering heat I'm sure players can do that for 3-4 hours a day with all the facilities & massive pay.

Well you gotta point but still June is the worst time for power cuts (well not as if the hotel they'll be staying in will have that).

Anyways i'm happy enough that the PSL is gonna stay in Pakistan as oppose to Dubai where the situation with Covid is worse with a different strain going around.

 

[mazkhan]

The games will be held at night

So I don't understand why there will be an issue players playing in the evening at 28-30 Celsius.

In Australia cricketers have played in 30 + in test matches .

 

[ChTab]

Really stupid & mind boggling decision..
Can only expect from incompetent Board like PCB.

Not a stupid decision at all it was the only available window.

 

[ChTab]

The games will be held at night

So I don't understand why there will be an issue players playing in the evening at 28-30 Celsius.

In Australia cricketers have played in 30 + in test matches .

Exactly my point, plus it's the job for the cricketers they will be paid handsomely for playing only 3-4 hours every other day with all the top facilities.

 

[ChTab]

Well you gotta point but still June is the worst time for power cuts (well not as if the hotel they'll be staying in will have that).

So if the players won't be affected by the power cuts then why June is the worst time, I'm sure that after the debacle PCB probably won't allow the crowd again. Test cricket is played in Australia only in summer with an average temperature of around 35 degrees & matches in PSL most probably will start at 8 in the night so temperature would be around 30.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

So if the players won't be affected by the power cuts then why June is the worst time, I'm sure that after the debacle PCB probably won't allow the crowd again. Test cricket is played in Australia only in summer with an average temperature of around 35 degrees & matches in PSL most probably will start at 8 in the night so temperature would be around 30.

All valid points, but we gotta make the stay for the players nice this time. Dan Christian is unlikely to come back after he left days before the decision was made to postpone.

 

[Varun]

All valid points, but we gotta make the stay for the players nice this time. Dan Christian is unlikely to come back after he left days before the decision was made to postpone.

Everybody has his price, especially international discards/T20 mercenaries. Throw it at him and Christian will come.

 

[ChTab]

All valid points, but we gotta make the stay for the players nice this time. Dan Christian is unlikely to come back after he left days before the decision was made to postpone.

Dan Christian doesn't matter he is a nobody & the PSL name won't get affected because Dan Christian is missing.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Everybody has his price, especially international discards/T20 mercenaries. Throw it at him and Christian will come.

that's true, I got respect for the old war horse he's still a solid all rounder, point is i don't want people having a sour taste for PSL especially foreigners.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Dan Christian doesn't matter he is a nobody & the PSL name won't get affected because Dan Christian is missing.

Wouldn't say that he's pretty handy on his day lol.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Pakistan should host more internationals too in June-August. I have seen India and SL playing tests in August.

 

[ChTab]

Pakistan should host more internationals too in June-August. I have seen India and SL playing tests in August.

Definitely, Pakistan should host T20 matches at this time, it would be extremely hard to arrange a test or ODI during this time but definitely, T20's can be arranged easily.

 

[Saj]

T20 Blast happening at the same time

WTC Final

WI v AUS 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

ENG v SL 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

BAN v ZIM 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

IRE v SA 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

 

[MenInG]

Will not be pleasant in Karachi in June!

 

[Saj]

T20 Blast happening at the same time

WTC Final

WI v AUS 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

ENG v SL 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

BAN v ZIM 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

IRE v SA 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

This is going to rule out a number of foreign players.

I guess we'll see a number of guys who aren't currently playing international cricket.

 

[ataullah]

T20 Blast happening at the same time

WTC Final

WI v AUS 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

ENG v SL 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

BAN v ZIM 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

IRE v SA 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

Lanka vs Eng starts June 23rd..PSL will finish before this. England and new Zealand is test series so white ball players will be available...cant find any west indies and AUS series in June...Vitality blast starts 9 June to 18 sep, they can miss 1 round surely. They can work around it surely

 

[Hasan123]

T20 Blast happening at the same time

WTC Final

WI v AUS 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

ENG v SL 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

BAN v ZIM 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

IRE v SA 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is

Won’t be a lot of top overseas players it seems.

 

[Saj]

Lanka vs Eng starts June 23rd..PSL will finish before this.

PSL's dates aren't confirmed yet.

England and new Zealand is test series so white ball players will be available

I've not mentioned any Eng v NZ series

cant find any west indies and AUS series in June

Check the FTP schedule

Vitality blast starts 9 June to 18 sep, they can miss 1 round surely. They can work around it surely

Not according to those involved

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Well thats some sort of clarification Sir [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION]

 

[Babeikh]

Will not be pleasant in Karachi in June!

View attachment 107906

Actually 35 is not as bad as I thought - i thought it would be 40.

 

[Saj]

I'm guessing all of the matches will have to be night matches due to the weather conditions?

 

[Ryw]

I'm guessing all of the matches will have to be night matches due to the weather conditions?

My guess all matches will start at 1700, in Pakistan all major night tapeboll tournaments held in june are night matches. So it will be a hit...

 

[Saj]

A few UK clubs unhappy at this rescheduling as it's right in the middle of their season and they had signed Pakistani players as overseas professionals.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Theyve all played in much worse weather in the UAE. It wont be a factor.

 

[Forum363]

A few UK clubs unhappy at this rescheduling as it's right in the middle of their season and they had signed Pakistani players as overseas professionals.

This sounds harsh but who cares what the UK clubs think.

The priority is arranging the PSL for whenever they can. Whatever the incompetence that caused it to be delayed, lessons need to be learnt and we need to make sure it’s organised properly now.

And for that, we need to get behind it rather than finding excuses like weather and other series.

 

[Saj]

This sounds harsh but who cares what the UK clubs think.

I don't think the players will agree with you, they will lose out on thousands of pounds.

It also affects future deals for Pakistani cricketers too.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

I don't think the players will agree with you, they will lose out on thousands of pounds.

It also affects future deals for Pakistani cricketers too.

Meh, covid messing up one more thing isnt a revelation now is it.

 

[Babeikh]

I don't think the players will agree with you, they will lose out on thousands of pounds.

It also affects future deals for Pakistani cricketers too.

Won't they be making money from PSL too?

I have sympathy with Shaheen and Haider who would have got some valuable experience in England but I think if there were a few going to play league cricket, that can wait until next year frankly.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Won't they be making money from PSL too?

I have sympathy with Shaheen and Haider who would have got some valuable experience in England but I think if there were a few going to play league cricket, that can wait until next year frankly.

They had a chance to earn more if PSL would have finished as per the previous schedule.

 

[Savak]

The PSL needs a window after the IPL anyways, to hold it just before the IPL is a big mistake by the PCB as they lose out on the top players

 

[AMSS]

Actually 35 is not as bad as I thought - i thought it would be 40.

In humid places like Karachi, the literal temperature reading is always misleading. That's why most weather sites also include ''feels like'' number. That number would be in mid 40s lol.

 

[Ryw]

A few UK clubs unhappy at this rescheduling as it's right in the middle of their season and they had signed Pakistani players as overseas professionals.

They have to manage ,12 days of PSL and then players will fly to UK, thats how it is clubs are used to take these risk while signing overseas players.

 

[MenInG]

Theyve all played in much worse weather in the UAE. It wont be a factor.

In UAE they were given special vests etc - not sure if PSL will invest in such stuff - anyways, upto the players to get on with it, if they want to earn a living.

 

[Mamoon]

The problem remains - PCB is being led by two executives with no intelligence and no leadership qualities.

As long as they are around, they will find new ways to goof up.

 

[Rajdeep]

Forget about weather, the fact that last 2 PSL is happening in 4 installments is never good for the league. PSL was going good this year with Sky sports HD showing it for first time etc. But once you break the continuity, it will never have the same charm.

 

[Arajit]

Actually 35 is not as bad as I thought - i thought it would be 40.

35 in the Coastal City is like 40 in other cities. Humidity will have an impact on how hot one feels

 

[Babeikh]

35 in the Coastal City is like 40 in other cities. Humidity will have an impact on how hot one feels

Yes true but I thought it would be 40 as in actual temp which would have meant it would feel like 45.

Am sure at 8 in the evening it will be more like 30/35 rather than 35/40.

 

[adil79]

PCB is pretty clever to organize PSL remaining matches in June when there is lack of international players availability.

Non willingness of international player to return after biolol debacle will be bad optics

vs

Hide behind lack of foreign players due to intermational fixtures will be an easy way out

I think this is a pretty clever PR strategy.

 

[Coolcapri]

Only issue is the weather, Last year it was quite hot in Karachi in June. Need to see schedule, The realy issue will be the day game, Expected weather to ease out in the night. Maybe day matches to start n hour or 2 late.

 

[MenInG]

The remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six are likely to take place between May 23 and June 20.

According to sources, during the meeting between franchises and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials on Wednesday, agreement was close to being reached on scheduling the matches in June. The players will be quarantined towards the end of May.

The PSL 6 was postponed on March 4, due to multiple Covid-19 cases among players and support staff, with 20 matches remaining. The PCB has already announced that Karachi will host the remainder of matches.

The final schedule will be issued after taking into account the bio-secure bubble arrangements and availability of foreign players.

As far as quarantine of foreign players is concerned, the final decision will be taken by the company which will be hired for creating the bio-bubble. The time span for this could vary between seven to 10 days.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/news/detail/remaining-psl-6-matches-likely-to-begin-on-may-23

 

[Coolcapri]

I hope this time they manage it properly, They need to have the plan B & C in place.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

The PSL needs a window after the IPL anyways, to hold it just before the IPL is a big mistake by the PCB as they lose out on the top players

Any example of this?

 

[MenInG]

So PSL franchises very unhappy that they decided to play out PSL games in June in deference to Pakistan's series against SA and they now see some players not taking part in that due to preference for IPL!

 

[Firebat]

PCB To Hire UK-Based Safety And Technology Firm To Create Bio-Bubble When PSL 2021 Resumes

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to hire a UK-based safety and technology firm, Restrata, which will organize the bio-bubble for the remaining part of the 6th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which was postponed earlier this month after more than half-a-dozen covid cases were found.

The tournament came to a halt after 14 matches with more than half of the season left. The board is planning to conduct the remaining games in the month of June.

To avoid any more fiascos in the June leg of the tournament, the PCB has decided to hire Restrata, according to a report in ‘Cricket Pakistan’.

Restrata is a world-renowned company that has previous experience of successfully conducting cricket matches in the bio-secure environment. When cricket resumed in the pandemic era, Restrata organized the Test series between England and West Indies followed by a successful season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the UAE and the T10 League along with other domestic games in England.

Restrata uses technology where all members of the franchises will be given a numbered chip-enabled GPS device to allow the authorities to keep track of all individuals. They will be only allowed to leave it behind during matches and training.

During the England and West Indies series last year, Restrata had installed Bluetooth technology in stadiums to accurately track and trace any suspected Covid-19 case. Similar technology will be installed in the hotel in a bid to gather data regarding the movement of the players and officials.

PCB facing expenses issues for hiring Restrata

With the season half-finished, the PSL franchises are already concerned owing to their losses and now the PCB is facing more money problems of hiring Restrata along with the travel expenses of foreign players. Franchises want PCB to equally bear any increased expenses this season.

will also need to be taken into account after the new mini-draft takes place prior to the resumption of the league.

To avoid further hiccups, the PCB is pondering on booking an entire hotel for the teams. Kitchen and house-keeping staff will have to remain in the hotel for the entire duration of the tournament and will not be allowed to leave the premises. Match officials, ground staff, and commentators will also be part of the bio-secure bubble.

https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket...m-to-create-bio-bubble-when-psl-2021-resumes/

 

[Saj]

The remainder of the sixth Pakistan Super League (PSL) might be devoid of many of its overseas recruits due to their other commitments, which could leave the six franchises with the only option of signing new players.

Postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSL is scheduled to resume on June 1.

The franchises have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to call a meeting of the PSL governing council after it became apparent that many of the overseas players, who appeared in the league in February-March, might not be available on resumption.

The PCB had to postpone the PSL 6 abruptly on March 4 in Karachi with just 10 out of 34 matches completed due to a surge in COVID cases among the players and officials.

The board has released the schedule of the remaining matches, but franchises are concerned about the availability of foreign players.

Big names such as Chris Gayle, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Saf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Alex Hales, Chris Lynn, Dale Stein, Tom Banton, Chris Jordon, Muhammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Liam Liviingstone, Rilee Rossouw, James Vince, Ben Cutting, Joe Denly, Joe Clarke, Samit Patel, Ravi Bopara Sajid Mahmood, Adam Lyth, Reece Topley, Lewis Greogry, Colin Ingram, David Wiese, Porterfield, Cameron Delport, Carlos Braithwaite, Chadwick Walton, Sherfane Rutherford, Ben Dunk, Daniel Christian all appeared in the matches played between February 20 to March 3 before the PCB announced the postponement of the league.

Franchises are now concerned that with the PSL clashing with the English T20 league and other international matches, most of the overseas players they signed up for 2021 will not be available.

Last week, the PCB, after consultation with the franchises, released the schedule of the remaining matches and made it clear that all players will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine from May 22 in one hotel.

"The problem now is that many players from England had signed up for PSL 2021 but with the Vitality blast starting from June 9 and also keeping in mind the international commitments of the England and other teams in June franchises are in trouble," a franchise official said.

Foreign recruits, who are contracted with English counties, will have to make a choice between PSL and Vitality T20 Blast. To make matters worse even teams like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and even West Indies have series lined-up in June.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...d-miss-tournament-in-june/article34369673.ece

 

[MenInG]

Usman Khawaja is set to fly to Pakistan next month to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in his country of birth after he was drafted by Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.

The PSL’s replacement draft took place online on Tuesday as the competition prepares to resume play in Karachi on June 1, having been postponed in March due to a compromised biosecurity bubble.

Khawaja is set to take the trip to Pakistan as the nation’s neighbour, India, battles the world’s worst coronavirus escalation with new daily cases well above 300,000.

Road To The Ashes will be available to watch on FOXTEL on Fox Cricket (channel 501) and Fox Sports 503, streamed on Kayo and to listen on both Apple and Spotify.

There are growing concerns for Pakistan as well with doctors warning that it could be on the same path as India after more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases were recorded on April 25.

The country’s average is around 5,500 new cases and 130 deaths a day, although a lack of testing has led to concerns that official figures are well below the real count.

“We are clearly heading towards a situation India is facing today,” Dr Muhammad Suhail told The Telegraph this week from his Hayatabad Medical Complex.

“Both Pakistan and India have same issues. People in both countries aren’t following the (precautions).”

Dr Jawad Khan, at nearby Khyber Teaching Hospital, told the publication that he has seen a “sudden spike” in cases due to people not following standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The government should make arrests, seal shops and markets along with jail terms and heavy penalties to send a clear message that the violators of SOPs wouldn’t get spared,” he told The Telegraph.

Nonetheless, Khawaja is set to enter the PSL bubble, replacing Alex Hales for his chance to represent his birth city of Islamabad.

Fellow Australians James Faulkner, Callum Ferguson and Joe Burns were also drafted by Lahore Qalandars.

Khawaja told cricket.com.au this month that playing in Pakistan was an opportunity he wanted to have before he retired.

“I’ve played in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh but I’ve never played in Pakistan where I was born and it’s something I would love to do, to go home to where it all began for myself, my family,” he told the publication.

The draft came on a day that Australia banned all passenger flights from India until at least May 15, leaving players, coaches and broadcasters uncertain about how — and when — they will be able to return home from the Indian Premier League.

Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson opted to leave the IPL, but didn’t have a flight until Wednesday when the ban had already come into effect.

The PSL is confident its final 20 matches can be safely staged at Karachi National Stadium between June 1 and 20.

The competition was postponed 14 matches in on March 4 after several bubble breaches led to players — including Australia’s Fawad Ahmed — contracting coronavirus.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...g/news-story/f0d9a39bbe7c7d555dfeefa4a986cd28