All eight matches of the Pakistan-leg of the 2019 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will now be held in Karachi following a late change of plans.
Initially, three of the eight matches slated to be held on Pakistan soil were to take place at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. However, owing to logistical and operations challenges brought on by the delayed re-opening of the Lahore airspace, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the decision to hold all eight matches at the National Stadium in Karachi instead.
Earlier, Lahore was due to host PSL clashes on March 9, 10 and 12.
“This has been a difficult and tough decision, which has been taken following discussion and consultation with all the franchisees and service providers to ensure certainty and clarity on the event as well as delivery of the remaining matches as per the PCB’s own very high standards,” PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said in a statement.
“Due to the recent and prevailing uncertainty, we felt it critical to make a decisive decision at this juncture. Ensuring all matches are played in Pakistan falls in line with our vision to take all eight matches of the HBL PSL 2019 matches to the people of Pakistan.
“We have spoken with the franchisees, who have backed this decision and have reinforced that all their foreign players will feature in the last eight matches of what has been an outstanding and highly competitive tournament that has been thoroughly enjoyed by the fans and the players.”
Along with the shift in venue for the three matches, the move has seen a slight change in the schedule for the Pakistan-leg of the tournament although the final will take place in Karachi on March 17 as slated previously.
REVISED PSL 2019 SCHEDULE
March 9, Saturday
Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 10, Sunday
Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 11, Monday
Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans – Karachi, 13:00 UAE time
Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 13, Wednesday
Qualifier – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 14, Thursday
Eliminator 1 – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 15, Friday
Eliminator 2 – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time
March 17, Sunday
Final – Karachi, 18:00 UAE time