PSL 2021 postponed indefinitely due to Covid-19 outbreak

The sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) was postponed today for an indefinite period due to a Covid-19 outbreak reported in the tournament’s 'bio-secure' bubble in Karachi.

"Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and well being of all participants is paramount, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to postpone the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 with immediate effect," the board confirmed in a press release. 

PCB made the decision in a virtual meeting today between PSL's organising committee and team's owners and management after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February. 

Lahore Qalandars CEO blames PCB management

Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana put the blame of the breach firmly on the Pakistan Cricket Board's mismanagement, saying that the franchises were skeptical of the league's staging from the start but the Board still went ahead.

He also doubted if the league could resume at a later date, saying that the PCB itself had said that there was no other window available in a jam-packed cricket calendar.

Dan Christian withdraws from PSL 2021 

Earlier today, Karachi Kings’ all-rounder Dan Christian decided to withdraw from the tournament and will leave for Dubai in a 12 o’ clock flight.

The player's decision to leave the T20 tournament came after PCB confirmed that three more players tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.

"The PCB, as an immediate step, will focus on the safe and secure passage of all participants, and arrange repeat PCR tests, vaccines and isolation facilities to the six participating sides," the statement added. 

The tournament had seen 14 of its scheduled 34 matches staged before Covid-19 caused the interruption today.

It is the second straight year that the PSL has been interrupted midway. Last year's tournament, too, had seen a months-long break prior to the play-offs due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

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