The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is one of the most exciting and popular cricket leagues in the world. However, the league has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, particularly due to security concerns in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially planned to hold the remaining matches of PSL 2021 in Karachi, but due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, they have decided to shift the league to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
While the decision to move the league to the UAE was made in the interest of public health, it has not been well-received by the PSL franchises. In fact, the franchises have strongly disagreed with the PCB’s decision to shift the league to the UAE.
There are several reasons why the franchises are against this decision. First and foremost, the franchises have invested a significant amount of money in building their teams and preparing for the league in Pakistan. Moving the league to the UAE would mean additional costs for the franchises, including travel, accommodation, and training expenses. This would put a strain on the finances of the franchises, many of which are already struggling due to the pandemic.
Moreover, the franchises believe that holding the league in the UAE would reduce the excitement and enthusiasm of the fans. PSL has a massive following in Pakistan, and moving the league to a foreign country would mean that fans would not be able to attend the matches. This would be a huge blow to the league and its stakeholders, including the franchises.
The franchises have also expressed concerns about the quality of cricket that would be played in the UAE. The pitches in the UAE are known to be slow and low, which would not suit the playing style of many of the foreign players. This could lead to a decrease in the quality of cricket played in the league, which would further diminish the excitement and enthusiasm of the fans.
Despite these concerns, the PCB has decided to go ahead with the decision to move the league to the UAE. The board has stated that the decision was made in the interest of public health and safety and that they are confident that the league will still be a success.
The franchises, however, are not convinced. They have called on the PCB to reconsider its decision and to explore other options, such as holding the league in a bio-secure bubble in Pakistan. They have also asked for financial support from the PCB to help cover the additional costs of moving the league to the UAE.
In conclusion, the decision to move the remaining matches of PSL 2021 to the UAE has not been well-received by the franchises. While the PCB has stated that the decision was made in the interest of public health and safety, the franchises have expressed concerns about the financial impact, the reduced enthusiasm of the fans, and the potential decrease in the quality of cricket played in the league. It remains to be seen whether the PCB will reconsider its decision and explore other options, or whether the league will indeed be held in the UAE.
