PSL 6 postponed after more players test positive for Covid-19

KARACHI: After a total of fourteen matches that have been played between the teams, twenty-four upcoming PSL 6 matches have been postponed. The decision came after 3 more players in addition to Islamabad United spinner, Fawad Ahmed tested positive for COVID-19. An emergency meeting took place between PCB and the franchises sponsoring the event. According to a report from ESPNCRICINFO, the cricket board of Pakistan stated that the decision to postpone the event was taken “following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and well-being of all participants”. The board is now focused on ensuring “safe and secure passage of all participants, and arrange repeat PCR tests, vaccines and isolation facilities to the six participating sides”.

“HBL PSL 6 POSTPONED – PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, Director – Commercial Babar Hamid, will hold a media conference at the National Stadium at 3 pm to provide further updates,” announced the management of PSL on their social media.

According to PCB, the two recent positive cases have been found within two different teams. Reporting symptoms, these players were tested on Wednesday. The board also confirmed that the cases are not from any members of teams that played in the double-headers scheduled last Wednesday. This verifies the idea that these players are not from Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans or Quetta Gladiators.

Speaking with SAMAA on Thursday, Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment over PSL being postponed. “PSL is now an international brand,” he said. “Postponement of such an event will be a big blow for Pakistan cricket. It will not be easy to organize these matches at a later date since there will be other big events taking place later this year as well.”

According to a statement issued by the PCB, “Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and wellbeing of all participants is paramount, the PCB has decided to postpone the HBL PSL 6 with immediate effect.” The statement added, “The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition.”