PCB overlooks top foreign players' security concerns to host PSL 2020 entirely in Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) anunced Tuesday that fifth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2020 will have 34 matches played across four international venues of country. It will commence on February 20 and will be played until March 22. Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi will host all matches this season, making it first instance of PSL to be entirely held in Pakistan.

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It is, however, unkwn as to how many overseas players will visit country. recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka series should pave way through for more foreign players to travel to Pakistan to play in PSL. Quetta Gladiators, who are defending champions of PSL, will square off against Islamabad United in tournament opener.

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PSL 2020 to be played entirely in Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani said in an official statement that after bringing Test cricket back, hosting Pakistan Super League in Pakistan was ar major achievement. He added that he never had any doubts that it was Pakistan’s league and should be played in front of home crowds. He went on to say that y had made a commitment to people of Pakistan at end of last year’s event and was glad y had anunced tournament's schedule with four centres to share 34 matches between m.

9 out of 34 matches will be played at National Stadium in Karachi. Most number of matches (14) will be played in Lahore while Multan and Rawalpindi will host 3 and 8 matches respectively. Qualifier between top two sides will also be played at  National Stadium, whereas Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be venue of two Eliminators and final.

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Mani furr said that PSL 2020 will feature 36 foreign stars. 425 overseas players from 22 countries had signed up for PSL 2020 draft. Among se, 27 are from South Africa, 39 from Sri Lanka, 39 from Afghanistan, 12 from Australia, 109 from England, 11 from New Zealand, 23 from Bangladesh, 82 from West Indies, 9 from Zimbabwe, 10 from Canada, seven from Hong Kong, six from Ireland, four from Singapore, nine from UAE, seven from Nerlands, eight from Nepal, nine from Oman, five from Scotland, six from USA, and one each from Bermuda, Kenya and Namibia respectively.

It remains to be seen if top overseas players, especially from countries such as England, South Africa and Australia agree to play in Pakistan. In past, likes of Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are biggest names who refused to travel to country after playing in United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg of tournament. Only Australia's Shane Watson and West Indies' Darren Sammy have been table exceptions to do so for houring ir franchises' commitments. 

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