PSL Season 6 postponed amid coronavirus spread
March 4, 2021 01:28 PM
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season Six was postponed on Thursday amid a surge in coronavirus cases among players and officials, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
As many as seven players and officials were tested positive for the Covid-19 during the last few days.
On the other hand, the PCB officials and PSL franchise owners held a meeting on Thursday morning and decided to defer the remaining matches of the Season Six.
Earlier Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that three more cricketers from two different franchises have tested positive for Covid-19.
Other reports said that a foreign player has been allowed to quit the tournament and he may leave Pakistan Thursday night.
The PCB did not reveal the identity of the players tested positive, but said that the infected players were not from the teams which competed in two Twenty20 matches Wednesday and had been tested in the afternoon after showing symptoms.
Defending champions Karachi Kings defeated Peshawar Zalmi by six wickets while Quetta Gladiators beat Multan Sultans by 22 runs on Wednesday.
Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United are the other two teams competing in Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 league.
Islamabad’s two foreign cricketers, including Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, and another unnamed foreign player are already in isolation after being tested positive earlier this week.
"PSL 6 organising committee will hold a virtual meeting with the team owners and managements later on Thursday, following which a further update will be provided," the PCB added.
Earlier, England wicket-keeper batsman Tom Banton also tested positive for coronavirus after Australia leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed.
Banton revealed that he tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday and is now in isolation. The English cricketer, who plays for Quetta Gladiators in PSL, is feeling "OK" and thanked his fans for the support. "Thanks a lot for all the messages and well wishes. Unfortunately, I received a positive Covid-19 test yesterday and I am now isolating and following the PSL protocols," Banton informed on Wednesday in a statement on Twitter.
"Fortunately I am feeling OK so far and I have been well looked after by the PCB and Quetta Gladiators. Thanks for the support, look after yourselves and stay safe," he added. The PCB has decided to offer coronavirus vaccine doses to all participants of the PSL 6.