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PCB gives ultimatum to Punjab govt over PSL 8 matches

New Zealand series matches could also be moved out of Punjab

February 24, 2023

The PSL 8 matches are currently in progress in Karachi — PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given an ultimatum to the Punjab government over holding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches in the province.

According to sources, PCB is considering the possibility of shifting Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi after receiving a hefty bill from the provincial government.

The PCB and the PSL franchises unanimously decided Friday not to pay an additional cost of Rs450m to the Punjab government.

If the bill is not waived till tomorrow, the matches will be officially shifted to Karachi. A meeting between PCB and the Punjab government, to discuss the matter, will also take place later today.

According to sources, the PCB has already started preparations for holding additional matches in Karachi. Meanwhile, the revised schedule has also been discussed with the franchises.

The deadlock could also result in white-ball matches between Pakistan and New Zealand, in April and May, to be moved out of Punjab.

On the other hand, interim Chief Minister Punjab Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi stated that the provincial cabinet is not in favour of waiving off the hefty bill.

"Last year, Rs600m were spent on security arrangements for PSL matches in Punjab," said Naqvi. "Since we are an interim setup, we don't have the authority to spend such a heavy amount. The cabinet is also against such an expenditure."

According to the current schedule, Rawalpindi will stage 11 fixtures and Lahore will host nine matches.

The closing ceremony, playoffs and the final will also be played in Lahore.

The winner will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of Rs120m, while the runners-up will receive a cheque of Rs48m.

Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.

Schedule of matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi

26 Feb - Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium

27 Feb - Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium

1 Mar - Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

2 Mar - Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium

3 Mar - Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

4 Mar - Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

5 Mar - Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

6 Mar - Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

7 Mar - Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium

8 Mar – Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 1, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

9 Mar - Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium