All PSL franchises have affirmed their commitment to
playing all PSL matches in Pakistan, with Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and
Rawalpindi considered the venues for the 34 games of the fifth edition of the
competition PSL 2020.
The UAE remains a reserve site, but the main obstacle remains the availability of foreign players, who must be convinced to remain in Pakistan for the duration of the league. PCB President Ehsan Mani held an informal meeting with the owners anddiscussed the pros and cons of holding all matches in Pakistan. The owners, itwas learned, expressed reservations about how to convince foreign cricketers and encourage them to stay in Pakistan. However, it was agreed that the CCP and the owners would act together to convince a maximum number of cricketers abroad to come and play in the league.
It is worth mentioning that in the last edition, the PCB had successfully organized eight matches in Karachi, in which a good number of foreign cricketers and the broadcaster's staff had remained in the city. This experience would go a long way to convincing foreign players to make themselves available for the fifth edition. Meanwhile, another colossal task for the PCB to organize PSL matches in Pakistan is the modernization of Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan Stadium. Currently, only the Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and the national stadium (Karachi) can host matches under international atmosphere and Karachi to host opening ceremony of PSL 2020.
Lahore will probably host 13 games. The tournament will begin on February 20 in Karachi. Multan hosted his last international cricket in 2008 but is believed to be ready to host the PSL. Rawalpindi hosted his last international match in 2006, but he is undergoing renovation and should be ready for the PSL matches. The CCP sees the PSL as a way to restore international cricket in Pakistan. The 2017 PSL final took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. There were then four games in the 2018 edition in Karachi and Lahore.
Earlier this year, the last eight matches were scheduled to take place in Lahore and Karachi, but they were all played in the port city due to political tensions with India. 2017 final paved the way for an ICC-approved World XI to tour Pakistan for three T20Is. The West Indies and Sri Lanka also toured the country to play T20I cricket, although both sides were weak. Zimbabwe visited Pakistan in 2015 for three IDOs and two T20Is, becoming the first to tour Pakistan since the Sri Lanka team bus attack in 2009. Most international stars have been hesitant to travel to Pakistan.
