Shoaib Ansari 
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced the schedule of the remaining four HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches, which were postponed on March 17 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The four matches will be held in Lahore on November 14, 15 and 17 with only the qualifier and eliminator one to be a double-header. Eliminator two will be played on the following day, while the event will conclude on Tuesday, November 17,” the PCB said in a press release.
The dates have been finalised following consultations and discussions with the four playing sides – Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi – while start times will be confirmed closer to the event.
The final four matches of the event will be played under Covid-19 protocols, including a biosecure bubble for the players, match officials and event-related staff. The matches are currently planned to be held behind closed doors, though the situation will be closely monitored and will be reviewed in October.
Commenting on the development, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said “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.”
“The PCB was always keen and committed to hosting the remaining four matches as it believed an event of the magnitude of the HBL Pakistan Super League deserved a winner. We saw the excitement and buzz in the lead up to the competition earlier this year and look forward to promotional activations that will engage the fans once again.”
HBL PSL 2020, the biggest cricket spectacle in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, carries a total prize money of $1 million, including a winner’s award of $500,000 along with a glittering and brand new trophy, and a cheque of $200,000 for the runner-up.
