PCB in The Balance Over PSL-6 Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
The absence of spectators or limited attendance can keep PCB’s pockets half-filled
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has conducted the players’ draft with more than 400 international cricket players in the lineup for the upcoming sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Sunday. However, the situation remains tentative for PCB regarding the upcoming PSL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
PSL 6 matches have been scheduled between February 20 and March 22. PCB has restricted the matches to only two major cities of Pakistan including Karachi and Lahore. However, last year, the matches were also held in Multan and Rawalpindi.
All six franchises have formed their teams picking up from the local and international players. Over 90 players from the West Indies, 80 from England, 40 from Sri Lanka, around 30 from South Africa and Afghanistan each, 20 from Bangladesh, 14 from Australia, and eight from New Zealand have registered themselves for the PSL 6 players’ draft.
Meanwhile, two cricket players from Pakistan, Umer Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad remain unconsidered.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the international players have to follow some strict protocols this time before entering the country to ensure a safe environment.
As per PCB, the overseas players will arrive in the country by February 15 with Covid-19 negative reports and will have to serve a five-day isolation period.
However, the decision about the spectators for the tournament is pending for now and will be taken close to the tournament.
“With regards to crowd attendances, since COVID-19 is an evolving situation, a decision will be made closer to time though the event organizers are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the concerned government officials”, the PCB said.
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The absence of spectators or limited attendance can also keep PCB’s pockets half-filled.
The outbreak of coronavirus the preceding year had led to the postponement of the remaining matches of PSL 5. The PSL had entered the knockout stages and the two semi-final matches were due which later rescheduled in November 2020.
However, this time the future of the cricket league is heavily dependent on the situation coronavirus pandemic holds. If the situation worsens due to Covid-19, PCB may have to revise the decision of PSL 6 that can put a big dent in the board’s wallet.
