The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to take a big step as the next Pakistan Super League (PSL) is likely to be held entirely in Pakistan. All the PSL franchise owners have agreed on this.
PSL 2020 will be the fifth edition of the PSL tournament. The PCB is likely to organise this tournament in February-March 2020.
Recently, on Monday (5th August), the PCB had a meeting with the six franchise owners in Lahore. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and Managing Director Wasim Khan were present in this meeting. In that meeting, all the six franchise owners have agreed to play the entire PSL 2020 in Pakistan.
Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi confirmed on the GSports show, “Yes, all the franchises have shown their willingness to back the PCB on having the entire PSL in Pakistan because it would also mean franchises being able to earn more and losses being reduced.”
Apart from the Peshawar Zalmi, the other five PSL teams are Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
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Earlier, Pakistan never hosted the entire season of PSL
Pakistan didn’t host a single match in the inaugural edition of PSL (2016). In the second season (2017), Pakistan organised only the final of the tournament. Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) hosted that final.
Pakistan organised the last three matches of PSL 2018. Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) hosted the Eliminator 1 and 2 while the National Stadium (Karachi) hosted the final.
In the last edition (PSL 2019), Pakistan got the hosting rights for the last eight matches. Apart from all playoffs, Pakistan also hosted the last four games of the league stage. The PCB organised all those matches at the National Stadium (Karachi).
One of the major issues the PSL franchises have faced during the Pakistan-phase that many foreign players have opted out that phase. They can also face the same issue for the next entire season if Pakistan entirely hosts this tournament.
However, if Pakistan successfully hosts this upcoming edition, then it can open a great future for their international cricket.
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According to the initial plan, Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi are the four possible venues for the PSL 2020. Karachi can begin the new season with the opening ceremony, and Lahore can host the final.
The franchise owners have also requested the PCB to allow the Pakistani currency for the local players’ payments instead of US dollars.