United Arab Emirates to host PSL 2024? Shocking update arrives from Pakistan amid nationwide protests

In shocking news, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 schedule may be subject to change due to nationwide protests. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering relocating the upcoming competition to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if the situation requires it.

The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League 2024 is scheduled from February 17 to March 18. The T20 league will commence with a match between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

United Arab Emirates Discussed As An Option For PSL – Report

Pakistani sports journalist Farid Khan revealed that the UAE is being considered as a potential alternative for hosting the PSL if the situation in Pakistan worsens due to nationwide protests. Khan noted that while some PSL team owners prefer the league to remain in Pakistan, discussions are ongoing regarding the contingency plan.

“Exclusive: United Arab Emirates discussed as an option for Pakistan Super League in case situation in Pakistan gets worse due to nationwide protests because of alleged rigging in elections. Most of the PSL owners want PSL to stay in Pakistan,” Farid Khan wrote.

Exclusive: United Arab Emirates discussed as an option for Pakistan Super League in case situation in Pakistan gets worse due to nationwide protests because of alleged rigging in elections. Most of the PSL owners want PSL to stay in Pakistan 🇵🇰✅ #HBLPSL9 #ElectionResults2024

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 15, 2024

Pakistan Super League franchises reportedly expressed disappointment as players prioritized leagues like South Africa’s SA20, the UAE’s ILT20, and the IPL. International players withdraw from the league at the last minute, causing teams to alter their plans.

Several notable players, including Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lungi Ngidi, and Reece Topley, will be absent from the upcoming Pakistan Super League. Their absence marks a significant loss for the tournament, impacting team compositions and dynamics.

Karachi To Host All Four Playoff Matches Of Tournament

Six teams, including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators, will compete for the trophy this season. Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have emerged victorious twice each, while the other four teams have clinched the title once in the league’s history.

The National Stadium in Karachi, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, and the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan will serve as the host venues for the tournament. A total of 34 matches will be played as part of the PSL event.

Karachi is set to host a total of 11 matches in the T20 tournament. Meanwhile, both the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will each host nine matches. Additionally, Multan will see action with five matches scheduled in the league.

During the league stage, each franchise will play the other five teams twice in a double round-robin format. The playoff round of the upcoming tournament, consisting of a Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the Final, will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Babar Azam is the leading run-scorer of the tournament, scoring 2935 runs in 79 matches at an impressive average of 43.80 and a decent strike rate of 124.84. Wahab Riaz leads the bowling charts with 113 wickets from 88 matches, maintaining an average of 22.68.

Also read: PSL 2024 schedule to be changed? Disturbing news arrives from Pakistan amid PSL trophy unveiling