PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

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 15^th 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):

1. 3-8 June – Practice
2. 9 June – Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United
3. 10 June – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings; Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars
4. 11 June – Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators
5. 12 June – Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi
6. 13 June – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars; Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi
7. 14 June – Islamabad United v Karachi Kings
8. 15 June – Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars; Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings
9. 16 June – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators
10. 17 June – Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi; Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars
11. 18 June – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars
12. 19 June – Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings; Multan Sultans v Islamabad United
13. 20 June – Practice           
14. 21 Jun – Qualifier (1 v 2); Eliminator 1 (3 v 4)
15. 22 Jun – Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1)
16. 23 June – Rest/practice
17. 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):