PSL teams’ departure for Abu Dhabi delayed, Sarfaraz, Hasnain face visa issues

Uncertainty surrounds future of remaining HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six matches, in Abu Dhabi, after it was revealed that PCB is yet to secure landing rights for UAE.

The departure of teams, which was scheduled for 1pm today, was delayed by four hours.     

UAE government had gone back on its decision to give landing rights to players and officials arriving from India and South Africa. However, later, the issue was resolved and the flights are scheduled for take-off soon.

An important meeting between PCB and franchises took place today to decide future of season six remaining matches.

In the meeting PCB informed franchises about the operational issues regarding holding matches in UAE, which included ‘unexpected’ delay over landing rights for flights coming from India and South Africa.

PCB has assured franchises that it is considering all possible options, at this moment, and flights from Karachi and Lahore will depart for Abu Dhabi at 5pm.

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25 individuals, including players and officials, are yet to receive their visas for Abu Dhabi.

They will stay in the bio-secure bubbles of hotels in Karachi and Lahore until their visas are issued. After issuance of visa, they will depart for Abu Dhabi through a separate chartered flight.

Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and pacer Mohammad Hasnain are among the players who are yet to receive their visas.

Players and officials, except for those individuals to whom visas have not been issued, have checked out of their hotels in Karachi and Lahore and have reached Abu Dhabi.