PSL 2021 to resume in Abu Dhabi from Jun 9

Islamabad: The remainder of the 2021 edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi from June 9, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

''The remaining PSL 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,'' the PCB said in a statement.

''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,'' it added.

The remaining group stage matches will be followed by the playoffs, and the final will be held on June 24. There will also be six double headers, which will include the June 21 games - Qualifier and Eliminator 1.

The sixth edition of the tournament was suspended in March after seven individuals, including six players, tested positive for COVID-19.

After skipping past all the logistical challenges, the tournament was finally shifted to UAE.

The teams will practice from June 3 to 8, while the first match on resumption will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. The double headers are scheduled to be played on June 10, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21.

"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,'' said PCB chief Wasim Khan.

"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,'' he added. (UNI)