PSL7 amid high prevalence of Omicron in Pakistan

Omicron, a novel Covid-19 version, is slowly making an appearance in Pakistan, where the death toll and positive rate have both risen alarmingly. Over 2,200 new positive cases are reported daily on average in Punjab, despite the fact that 61 per cent of the population is vaccinated. Yet, the Government of Pakistan had given the approval to conduct PSL7. 

Omicron and PSL7

As the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season is happening these days, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is concerned about the new Covid-19 version 'Omicron'. PCB has opted to use a foreign company for the bio-secure bubble, despite the fact that they have already indicated that a complete hotel is rented for the PSL 7 participants.

When they arrived in Pakistan, foreign cricketers were required to segregate for a lengthier period of time, according to reports. However, PCB does not have a "Plan B" in place should the league be postponed for any reason.

The virus disrupted the last two editions of PSL. Last year's PSL 6 was called off in Karachi after 14 matches, and the rest of the tournament was held in Abu Dhabi in June. The playoff matches for PSL 5 were also conducted in November 2020. 

PCB also thought about moving the first and second phases of the competition from Karachi to Lahore and Lahore back to Karachi, respectively. The Sindh government is said to support the PCB's thinking of changing the tournament's schedule.

Omicron and NCOC

The National Stadium is hosting the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 Karachi leg matches, which are taking place from January 27 to February 7 with approval from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The PCB and NCOC initially agreed to enable the PSL 7 matches to have a full capacity audience.

Around 8,000 fans are permitted into the stadium each match day as a result of the decision. However, in order to protect them and everyone else that attends the games, the admittance of spectators are governed by Covid-19 protocols that are as follows:

Anyone above the age of 12 must receive all recommended vaccinations.
At the time of entering the stadium, a valid vaccination certificate must be presented.
Masks are required to be worn within the venue.
Anyone found in violation of the NCOC rules will be asked to leave the stadium immediately.

The bottom line 

Omicron instances are on the rise in the country, and PCB faces a difficult task. As far as we know, the PCB has been in touch with relevant authorities to lay out the best strategy for PSL 2022. The entire tournament would have to be held in Pakistan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).