Sarfaraz Ahmed
Sarfaraz Ahmed. Image-Twitter.

Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was denied the clearance for travelling to Abu Dhabi, where the remainder of the PSL 2021 will be staged. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself in a difficult position as it arranges for everyone to fly to Abu Dhabi in haste after shifting the PSL out of Pakistan.

On Saturday night, PCB had stated that 16 members, from hotels in Karachi and Lahore, will be flown to Abu Dhabi, via Doha, in a commercial flight during the early hours of Sunday.

However, in the morning, it was reported that only 5 people from Karachi, including Quetta Gladiators pacer Mohammad Hasnain, were able to board the flight. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed along with 10 other members of the contingent didn’t get the clearance for travelling to Abu Dhabi and had to return back to their hotels.

Sarfaraz Ahmed
Sarfaraz Ahmed. (Credits: Sony Liv)

PCB has demanded clearance from Abu Dhabi Sports Council for the remaining members as soon as possible. According to a report on the website ‘Cricket Pakistan,’ the board is also looking to arrange a chartered flight for them.

Sarfaraz Ahmed and Quetta’s owner upset over the incident

Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former Pakistan captain, is reported to be furious and upset after being left stranded at the airport. He expressed his disappointment to the PCB officials over the issue.

Read More  Gary Kirsten, Luke Ronchi to consult family & friends before taking Pakistan head coach role - Reports

Nadeem Omar, the Quetta Gladiators owner, said that this incident showed the incompetence of PCB, but refrained from staging a major protest in order to avoid bringing the league into disrepute.

PSL Trophy, PSL 2021
PSL Trophy was suspended in early March. (Image Credit: Twitter)

PCB has an arduous task at its hand to finish the league, which is expected to commence in the first week of June, by June 20, as the national side has to travel for the England tour. The schedule for the remaining 20 games is yet to be released. Considering the delays, teams are likely to play several double-headers to make up for the lost time.

The league was suspended in early March following an outbreak of the covid-19 in players and staff members. The Karachi Kings lead the points table, while Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Quetta languishes at the bottom with just 1 win in 5 matches.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Reveals Two Regrets From His International Career