LAHORE   -  The remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL6) matches will be played in Abu Dhabi on June 9-24, before the Pakistan men’s side’s departure for Manchester from the UAE capital on June 25. 

There will be six double-headers – five of them during the preliminary round and the sixth on June 21, when Qualifier and Eliminator 1 matches will be played. These matches will start at 1700 UAE time (1800 PKT time) and 2200 UAE time (2300 PKT time), respectively, while the single-headers will begin at 2000 UAE time (2100 PKT time). On June 9, fourth-placed Lahore Qalandars will meet third-placed Islamabad United in what will be the 15th match of the tournament.

The delayed start due to logistical and operational challenges that were beyond the PCB’s control will allow the sides sufficient time to train, practice and gear up for the biggest prize in Pakistan’s cricket calendar. United and Qalandars resumed training on Wednesday evening, while the other four sides will start training from Thursday. Players and player support personnel, who have completed the mandatory seven-day room isolation and returned three negative tests, are allowed to integrate with their sides and participate in training sessions.

Meanwhile, six franchise owners have once again reiterated their support and backing for the PSL6 and the PCB, while expressing their delight with the resumption of the tournament on 9 June.

Islamabad United’s Ali Naqvi said on Thursday: “I am delighted that after days of hard work and overcoming all surprises, we are now ready to resume the tournament on 9 June. The silver-lining in the 9 June start is that all the players will get a week of training and practice, which will help them put up their best performance and justify the decision of the PCB and the team owners to hold the tournament in Abu Dhabi.”

Karachi Kings’ Salman Iqbal said: “We all need to understand these are unprecedented and evolving times. What remains unchanged is that this is Pakistan’s league and it is our collective obligation that we make it a success. I am happy that PSL6 is ready to resume on 9 June. Let’s all get behind this and help this brand get stronger and bigger than ever.”

Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana said: “We know the PCB has worked extremely hard to make this event happen and are pleased that we have finally reached a situation when the tournament is about to resume. Throughout the process, we worked collectively as it is our league and it is our collective responsibility to make it a success.”

Multan Sultans’ Alamgir Khan Tareen said: “The remaining matches will surely provide the fans with some exciting and absorbing action with some of the best players on display. I remain confident that the Pakistan players will get quality cricket under their belt before their departure for the United Kingdom and, in the end, it will be cricket that will be the winner.”

Peshawar Zalmi’s Javed Afridi said: “All is well that ends well, let the show begin on 9 June and I hope we will have exciting and thrilling cricket that will truly be the reward for the tough and testing days in putting the event together.”

Quetta Gladiators’ Nadeem Omar said: “Holding the event offshore in these difficult times at a short notice is not an easy job. In this background and despite the uncertainty in the past few days, I am pleased we are now ready to take-off and finish the tournament.”