PSL 2024 could force PCB to postpone West Indies series

The home series includes two Test and three T20Is

By Web Desk
June 08, 2023
Rizwan plays a shot during a match against West Indies - AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could postpone the home series against West Indies next year in order to avoid clash with the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The series, which includes two Test and three T20Is, is slated for February and March 2024 — which is the window normally reserved for PSL.

If the West Indies series is scheduled after Ramadan, which is after the second week of April, it could face another challenge in the shape of clash with the Indian Premier League.

“With the IPL scheduled for April-May, several West Indies players might be unavailable for the bilateral series in Pakistan. The PCB hasn't said anything on when the series could be rescheduled but there were discussions on the possibility of playing the home series during the month of Ramadan - March to April,” the report stated.

“However, playing Tests during that month will pose serious challenges with players observing fasting. That said, the PCB had conducted a limited-overs series against New Zealand during the month of Ramadan this year, where the five-match T20I series was played at night and the five ODIs were conducted post-Ramadan,” it added.

The PCB has also requested the UAE board for tweak their schedule of the ILT20, with the Pakistan players likely to participate in the event.

“With regards to the PSL, the six-team tournament now runs for 34 days. Due to Ramadan, its window is restricted from February 12 to March 10. With the ILT20 scheduled for January 13 to February 12 in 2024, the PCB has requested the UAE board for a ten-day concession,” the report stated.

“It's likely that the PCB might also release its players to sign a contract with the ILT20, a move floated as a bargain after the Pakistan board had turned down NOCs for a batch of Pakistan players for the league in the inaugural edition,” it added. 

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