PCB considers UAE for PSL 10 final as England declines hosting offer

With England declining, PCB eyes UAE as venue, raising concerns due to overlap with the IPL schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) found themselves in a predicament as they contemplated relocating the PSL 10 playoffs and final match to another country.

England had initially emerged as the top candidate for hosting these crucial matches. However, in a recent development, England declined the proposal, citing the unavailability of their grounds as the primary reason.

Franchise owners had expressed concerns about the potential costs involved in moving the matches abroad. They were informed that an official would be dispatched to England to evaluate the feasibility of hosting the games.

The rejection from England has now led PCB officials to consider the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an alternative venue. However, the extreme heat in May presents a formidable challenge for organising the matches there.

The proposed dates for PSL 10 are from April 10 to May 25, coinciding with the Indian Premier League (IPL). This scheduling overlap has raised alarms among franchise owners, who fear that key foreign players might prioritise the IPL over the PSL, potentially affecting the tournament's competitiveness and appeal.

Adding to the franchises' woes is the lack of response from the PCB regarding profit shares from the ninth edition and other unresolved issues. Franchise owners had previously written to the PCB seeking clarity on these matters. In a recent phone conversation, a senior PCB official assured the owners that a governing council meeting would be convened soon to address their concerns.

With England out of the equation, the PCB must now weigh the pros and cons of hosting PSL 10 in the UAE, considering both logistical challenges and player preferences. The outcome of these deliberations will be crucial for the tournament's success and the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved.