|| CF DESK ||

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have asked the PCB to relocate the remaining games of the rescheduled 2021 edition of the tournament from Karachi to the UAE because of a new surge in Covid-19 cases in Pakistan. The franchises sent a letter to the board last week, and the board is thought to be discussing the appeal.

The 2021 edition of the PSL was suspended after 14 games - played between February 20 and March 3, all in Karachi - following an outbreak of cases among players and support staff. Later, Pakistan has announced to continue from May 5 to May 20.

After the new date was finalised, the franchises took part in a replacement draft because a number of overseas players would not be able to take part in the games on the new dates.

On the other hand, moving to the UAE, will present its own set of technical and organizational challenges. Flights from Pakistan to the country are reportedly running at a significantly reduced schedule. Because of the oppressive heat at that time of year, top-level cricket is not always played in the UAE in June.

The plan was to assemble the teams in Karachi by May 23 to begin their mandatory seven-day quarantine. Sixteen league-stage matches are slotted till June 14, with the playoffs taking place between June 16 and June 18, and the final on June 20.