Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule of the upcoming edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 2021). The marquee tournament will commence on February 20 with defending champions Karachi Kings taking on Quetta Gladiators.

The 6th edition of HBL PSL will see six teams – Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans fight it out for the illustrious trophy in the 34-day tournament. Meanwhile, PCB has decided to host PSL 2021 only in two cities due to the broader impact of the coronavirus across the globe.

Karachi Kings- Quetta Gladiators to lock horns in the opening tie of PSL 2021

The last edition of the tournament was stopped midway due to the deadly virus before the teams return in the latter half of the year to play the knock-outs. The first half will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi and the next half, including the playoffs, is scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, there is no decision taken hitherto regarding the crowd in the stadium.

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Speaking of the overseas cricketers participating in PSL 2021, the cricketers are asked to arrive in Karachi with a negative PCR report. They will have to undergo two more PCR tests before they can start training with their teammates and the rest of the squad. On the other hand, the asymptomatic players or support staff returning a positive test will have to serve a five-day isolation period with RT-PCR tests on days one and four.

There will be 9 doubleheaders leading up to the playoffs. The day matches will start at 2 pm; night matches to start at 7 pm; Friday’s double-headers to start at 3 pm and 8 pm, respectively. The final of PSL 2021 to take place in Lahore on March 22.

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Here is the full schedule of PSL 2021 –

Sat, 20 Feb – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators (N); NSK, Karachi

Sun, 21 Feb – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi (D); Islamabad United v Multan Sultans (N); both matches at NSK, Karachi

Mon, 22 Feb – Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators (N); NSK, Karachi