KARACHI: The ongoing global pandemic, Covid-19, disrupted the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League, just hours before the semi-final phase, which not only left the fate of the event in jeopardy but also cast uncertainty in players minds regarding their pending payments.

As per the regulations, players participated in the PSL 2020 were to be paid as per the following: 20 per cent before the start of the season, 50 per cent within a week after the player’s arrival and the remaining 30 per cent within 40 days after the last game of the season.

The third point attracts ambiguity because technically the last game of this season is yet to be played however the PCB, in this regard, is driving a workable formula to clear the dues as early as possible.

A source in the relevant department of PCB informed that since the last day of this season is yet to come therefore the board has decided to kick off the reconciliation process.

“The 70% payment has been made to the vast majority of players except for those who were either partially available or joined as replacements,” the source said

“The interim reconciliation process is underway to identify payables and receivables as they may be applicable at this stage of the tournament,” the source added.

On a question regarding the exact time frame, the source stressed that they were aiming at writing off the due as soon as possible, however this correspondent understands that accumulating details from various quarters such as hotels etc and the follow-up calculations would take around three weeks to culminate the process.

“These are testing times and the PCB realises it’s duty of care towards players. Payments will be made as soon as possible,” the PCB source assured.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2020