PSL 2020 remaining matches to be played in Lahore

After a brief period of postponement owing to the global pandemic, PSL 2020 remaining matches will finally be played in the month of November, to wind up what started in February this year. The recommencing tournament will be hosted by Lahore, in the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, confirms PCB.

Soon after the classical termination of Pakistan vs. England T20I series with a victory on Tuesday, PCB dropped another bombshell, once again electrifying the cricket devotees. According to PCB’s announcement yesterday, PSL 2020 remaining matches that were halted on March 17^th will finally be resumed in mid-November.

Moreover, the cricket board has also unveiled the schedule for the lingering PSL tournament. The dates selected for the four PSL 2020 remaining matches are 14^th, 15^th and 17^th November, with only the qualifier and eliminator 1 to be double-header. Eliminator 2 will be played the following day, with the grand finale of this legendary event on November 17^th. The decision has been finalized after consultations with all four competent franchises, namely Multan Sultan, Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars.

Furthermore, all the matches are to be played in bio-secure environment, ensuring the safety of all team players in the light of coronavirus pandemic. Also, it is reported that a limited number of spectators will be allowed in the ground and social distancing will be followed at all times.

Read More: Pakistan vs England – Test and T20i series overview

What remains undiscovered is the availability of foreign players for the tournament as this decision still hangs in the air. However, there’s extremely thrilling news for the Karachi Kings fans. Alex Hales, one of the most audacious players from team blue, just posted on twitter about his return to Pakistan.

The cricket star wrote:

Can’t wait to get back to Pakistan. See you all soon.

His tweet has brought a new wave of excitement for the fans, as this hints the comeback of all foreign players for PSL 2020 remaining matches, making the tournament much more captivating.

Additionally, his tweet has also been replied to by Salman Iqbal, the owner of team Karachi. Salman wrote, “Great decision by @TherealPCB regarding the eliminators and finals. ‘Karachi kings’ is ready.”

Wasim Khan, the chief executive of PCB also commented about the PSL 2020 remaining matches stating:

This announcement puts speculations to bed and provides absolute clarity and ample time for teams to plan and prepare for these crunch matches. It was important at this stage to state our intent and lock these dates in the diary in the best interest of the teams and the tournament.

Wasim continued, talking about what’s in store for future endeavors saying:

The hosting of the remaining four PSL 2020 matches also endorses Pakistan’s resilience in overcoming difficulties and challenges no matter what the nature.

The PCB is planning to hold its 2020-21 domestic season, which will include a number of age-group, men and women competitions, as well as home international series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

All domestic 2020-21 season matches will prove to be catalyst for the successful planning and delivery of the PSL 2021, which will be held in February/March next year. We look forward to once again bringing joy to the nation.

Schedule of PSL 2020 remaining matches

November 14^th:

1^st match – Qualifier – Between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings.

2^nd match – Eliminator 1 – Between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi

November 15^th:

Eliminator 2 – Loser Qualifier vs. winner Eliminator

November 17^th:

The Grand Finale.

Hence, PSL fans embrace yourselves, as the cricket war between cities is just around the corner and we will finally get the champions of 5^th PSL.

About PSL

Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a Twenty20 cricket league, hosted by Pakistan every year during February and March. PSL was initiated in 2015 with 5 teams that now comprise of six teams. Each franchise represents different cities of Pakistan and are owned and controlled by investors.

The six participants of PSL are:

• Karachi Kings
• Peshawar Zalmi
• Quetta Gladiators
• Multan Sultan
• Islamabad United
• Lahore Qalandars

Talking about the victories, since 2015, the iconic PSL trophy had been lifted twice by Islamabad United, once by Quetta Gladiators and once by Peshawar Zalmi. Additionally, the PCB carries a total prize of US$ 1 million for the tournament, including winner’s award of 500K$ along with a shining trophy, followed with 200K$ for the runner-ups.

PSL 2020 remaining matches

In 5^th season of PSL 2020, after the head to head battle and some nail-biting matches, the four shining teams that qualified for the spin-offs were Multan Sultan, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars. So, one of the four will hold the golden shining trophy of PSL 2020.

Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United, the former crowned teams had a hard-luck this time and even after giving tough time to the opponents, couldn’t make it to the winning rounds. Hence, the two vigorous franchises will not be part of PSL 2020 remaining matches.

Twitter reactions

The sudden announcement by PCB has galvanized cricket fans from all over Pakistan, as the news passed on like wild fire on the internet. Here are some tweets made soon after the news was out.

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