Why Has PSL 2023's Final Preponed to Saturday?


image-lfbeqq3yPSL 2023: Multan have already qualified for the final (Twitter)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday evening, has decided to prepone the date of the final match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL 2023). The PSL Final, which was earlier scheduled for Sunday (March 19), will now be held a day earlier - Saturday (March 18) - at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore.

The Pakistan board has taken it as a precautionary measure because of rain predicted on final match's original date. 

As per AccuWeather, a leading weather predicting application, the rain prediction in Lahore on Sunday is of 50%. Meanwhile, the prediction comes 10% down on Saturday.

Although, as per PSL's guidelines, the result can be determined after a minimum of five-over per side match; the PCB isn't taking any chances, as stated by their Chairperson Najam Sethi.

Having said that, they have also kept Sunday and Monday as reserve days, if things head south on the rescheduled date.

"On the basis of available information about bad weather forecast, it is a sensible and proactive approach that we use the off-day and play the final on Saturday, and utilise Sunday along with Monday as reserve days. This will give us two reserve days in case the match cannot be completed or played on Saturday instead of the traditional one day," Sethi said.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans have already booked their spot in the final, but still uncertain who will play them in the gold medal match is still to be decided. The losing team of the Qualifier - Lahore Qalandars - will have to battle with Eliminator 1's winner - Peshawar Zalmi - on Friday in Eliminator 1.

"We have spoken with the teams involved in the play-offs, and they are not only aligned to our decision but have backed and supported our decision. There will be no inconvenience to the cricket fans as tickets purchased for Sunday's match will remain valid for Saturday's rescheduled final," PCB's Chairperson added.