Lahore, 24 February 2023 (GNP): A financial dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the interim Punjab Government resulted in Karachi possibly hosting all of the remaining matches during the current season 8 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
To settle the destiny of PSL matches planned to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) convened an urgent meeting of all PSL franchise owners on Friday.
The PSL 8 matches, which are slated to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, will be discussed during the meeting via video conference call. The development has been confirmed by a PCB spokesperson. Today, all six franchise owners will participate in a virtual meeting to make a final decision on the topic.
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Sources claim that PCB is considering moving the Punjab leg of PSL 8 to Karachi after the provincial government issued a hefty charge for Rs500 million. According to sources, PCB has already spent Rs50 million on meals. The PCB has been directed by the Punjab government to pay the remaining Rs450 million as soon as possible.
Sources further claim that the Sindh government does not charge PCB anything for hosting PSL games in Karachi. Due to the deadlock, PCB is now considering Karachi as a possible location for the remaining matches of the PSL 8. Karachi was given the opportunity to host nine matches.
On February 26, the metropolitan area will host its final game of the current season. Home side Karachi Kings will take on Multan Sultans in last encounter at National Bank Cricket Arena (NBCA).
Currently, the PSL 8 action is scheduled to shift to Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 26 onwards. The first game in Lahore is to be held on February 26, between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars, and the first game in Rawalpindi is to take place on March 1, between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi.
The playoffs and final of the tournament will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The finale will be played on March 19.
