HBL PSL 5 final to be played behind closed doors

The final of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five will be played behind closed doors amid coronavirus concerns, sources have told Cricket Pakistan.

Following an advice from the Punjab Government, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided the final-leg matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 in Lahore will not be open for spectators.

The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the Gaddafi Stadium. 

In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel as well as franchise owners will be allowed to attend matches.

As was the case for Karachi matches, the PCB has taken this step as a precaution and to better protect the health and safety of all those involved in the matches.

The PCB will continue to assess and monitor the situation and make decisions as appropriate in consultation with the team owners. No player has to date tested positive for Coronavirus.

Earlier, the PCB had rescheduled the remaining matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 by replacing the playoffs with semi-finals on March 17 and the final on March 18.

The decision means the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be reduced by four days and there will now be 33 matches as opposed to 34.

According to the revised schedule, the March 17 semi-finals will be double-headers and will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium with the table-toppers going head to head with the fourth-placed side at 2pm. This match will be followed by the second semi-final, which will begin at 7pm, between the second and third-placed sides.

The final will be played on March 18 and will start at 7pm. All these changes have been made with the consultation of the team owners.