Inadequate arrangements of the bio-bubble were an important topic of criticism
05 March, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY: PCB
The franchise owners of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) had a lot of stern words directed towards the officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the sixth edition of the tournament had to be postponed due to mismanagement and a rise in coronavirus cases.
Inadequate arrangements of the bio-bubble were an important topic of criticism. One particular team owner appeared to be more visibly upset than the others. The owner fumed at officials for spending big on the PSL song while not booking the entire hotel for the tournament.
“So much money was spent on the song and shooting a video in Turkey without our knowledge but no attention was paid to important matters. Now show your groove. There were wedding ceremonies in the team hotel but officials did not take any notice,” the franchise owner said.
On the other hand, the franchises are now considering asking for the return of their fees. They believe that the board will continue to stretch this issue by saying that a future window is being looked at for the event.
The HBL PSL season six was postponed due to the rising coronavirus cases. A virtual meeting was called between franchise owners and representatives before the decision was finalised.
According to sources, this meeting was conducted in a very hostile manner. The franchise owners, who have spent vast sums of money, appeared visibly upset.
The franchise owners were also baffled at how Islamabad United and Multan Sultans were placed in a separate hotel with the excuse that there was not enough space in the hotel. Many questions were also raised regarding the lift and kitchen staff.
According to sources, PCB’s CEO Wasim Khan and other officials sat silently and listened to the complaints of the franchise owners. He accepted the board’s shortcomings. However, Wasim Khan shockingly put the blame on the franchise owners as well in a press conference later in the day.
The source further stated that tensions between the franchise owners and the PCB are expected to intensify once more. Owners believe that their money was taken in the form of fees and is now unlikely to be returned. A future window for the event appears unlikely.
