PSL 6: PCB loses USD 0.5 million due to delay, wants ECB to bear the loss

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a rigid ride for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The tournament that was moved to UAE owing to the surge in the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan was set to resume on June 1. However, the logistical issues faced by the PCB pushed the resumption to June 9. One of the major reasons that hampered the on-time start was the delay in getting visa approvals for several players and the broadcasting crew, which included members from India and South Africa, the two countries that were red listed by the UAE government.

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The PCB had booked two chartered flights to carry the Indian and South African crew from Mumbai and Johannesburg respectively and one from Pakistan to bring the remaining 25 players and officials to Abu Dhabi who were issued visas in phases that caused delays.

However, the PCB had to cancel the flights as they could not get the visas on time. If reports are to be believed, PCB suffered a loss of around $0.5 million due to the same and has asked the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to bear the loss.

“Matters and discussions/agreement between the PCB and ECB, as in the past, are confidential and cannot be discussed publicly. Furthermore, the PCB, like any other organisation, doesn’t comment on matters relating to its finances or reveal financial details relating to an event.”

In their defense, the Abu Dhabi authorities said that they did not get enough time to make all arrangements as PCB shifted the tournament to UAE at the last moment.

In other development, three Peshawar Zalmi players, David Miller, Fabian Allen, and Fidel Edwards have pulled out of the league due to their national commitments. All three players are part of the West Indies vs South Africa T20 series. Also, Quetta Gladiators' Andre Russell has been ruled out after suffering a concussion against Islamabad United.