Ever since its beginning, PSL has been conducted in February and March. However, in the coming season, this might become an issue as a Pakistan vs. Australia series is under discussion during the same months.
According to the Future Tours Program (FTP), Australia is set to tour Pakistan for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is at the beginning of 2022.
Keeping Australia in mind, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been planning to move Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the April-May slot. However, during those months it will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Additionally, the players may also not be available if both leagues occur at the same time.
PCB has also looked into the availability of players in the slot from December to February, and it has also turned out to be unsuccessful as the top five cricketing nations will be busy with national duty during those months.
Another problem that has come up is the availability of venues. Since most of Punjab experiences extreme fog during the winter months, only National Stadium Karachi will be suitable for the series.
PCB has been thinking of conducting PSL in early April nevertheless. This means that many foreign players that have previously made their commitments with IPL will not be able to join PSL. IPL 2021’s remaining matches are also yet to be played after being halted due to Covid-19 restrictions.
According to sources, IPL’s upcoming edition is said to be longer as it will feature 10 teams instead of the usual 8 which means a longer league with more local and international players.
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As per the reports, PCB has formed a panel under the supervision of the retired judge Tassaduq Hussain Jillani to resolve the issue.
Previously PSL 2021 and PSL 2020 had also been rescheduled due to lockdowns after the coronavirus outbreak.