In wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to indefinitely postpone the knock-out phase of this year's edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The tournament had already been affected by the outbreak, with multiple games during the last phase of the league-stage played behind closed doors and the schedule rejigging that saw matches being shifted from Karachi to Lahore.
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But the suspension of the semi-finals and the final led to worries over the possible cancellation of the competition in the given circumstances.
However, if the situation improves, PCB CEO Wasim Khan says those remaining three marquee fixtures may be held during a 10-day window later in the year in November.
"But we have to first sit down and discuss the situation with all the franchise owners because they are also suggestions that Multan Sultans which topped the points table should be declared winners or to have these remaining matches before the PSL-6 early next year," Wasim told reporters.
The PCB has made losses because of the suspension of the knock-outs but Khan said the board is in good financial health to be able to overcome those. Internationally also, postponement of Pakistan's one-off ODI, and Test in Karachi against Bangladesh scheduled originally in April will result in losses of around $3 to 4 million.
"The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the entire world and sports globally. In this crisis time at present we have money and are not facing any financial crisis," Khan said. "Approximately our losses are around 200 million rupees due to loss of gate money and some sponsorship revenues."
PCB is looking for a new broadcasting deal for its domestic and international fixtures.
Pakistan is next due to turn up at the highest level in UK when it travels to face Ireland, Netherlands and England from June onwards. However, those fixtures are also under threat because of the COVID-19.
"Everything will depend now how this coronavirus situation develops," Khan agreed. "It is a big challenge for all sports and sports world bodies, including cricket."
(Inputs from PTI)
