Chadwick Walton casts doubt over players’ availability for PSL 5 playoffs

Karachi Kings’ wicketkeeper-batsman Chadwick Walton believes that players’ availability will be an issue for the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.

The event was postponed indefinitely due to the global spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which has killed and infected thousands of people around the world.

“I think it will be tough [to complete the PSL] because with other tournaments being [postponed] and everybody wanting to ensure that their tournament gets under way it will be tough to find another slot [on the calendar]. Everybody will want their tournament to play and everybody will be pushing their tournament, and the availability of players might also be an issue,” said Walton while talking to Jamaica Observer.

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Karachi Kings finished on second position in the points table and were realistically optimistic about their chances of lifting the title, according to the Windies cricketer.

“We had qualified in the second slot, and obviously we had fancied our chances in terms of lifting the cup. But the health of all people involved was more important than lifting the cup. We had a duty to ensure we did our part in controlling the spread of the virus, and [continuing] a sporting activity at that point in time wasn't the best decision. So organisers felt it best to postpone the tournament,” he said.

It must be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the PSL franchises are keen on ensuring that this year’s champion is decided on the field as compared to adopting a different course of action —which includes handing over the trophy to table-toppers Multan Sultans.