Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was among 11 players and officials who were on Sunday (May 30) barred from boarding flights to Abu Dhabi, which will host the remaining 20 games of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 next month.

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PCB might have received all outstanding approvals from UAE government to conduct the tournament in Abu Dhabi but they are still facing logistical issues, including getting visas.

"As many as 11 players and officials on their way to the PSL, including the Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, were not allowed to board commercial flights going from Lahore and Karachi to Abu Dhabi via Doha early morning on Sunday," ESPNcricinfo reported.

"Five persons from this PSL contingent were cleared to fly, while the others had to return to their hotels where they have been in quarantine since May 24."

As per the report, "...a batch of more than 25 individuals from both cities was supposed to travel to the UAE on a chartered plane.

"But the PCB, in a late decision, instead opted to put them on commercial flights, which nullified the quarantine protocols already in place."

The PCB also had to face a long delay in acquiring visas for the Indian, South African broadcasting crew members and finally received visas for them on May 27.

But according to the report, "...there remain multiple individuals, including the franchise support staff, who are yet to get UAE visas though."

Notably, two chartered flights carrying around 250 players, officials, PCB employees and official broadcasters and their staff have landed in Abu Dhabi from Karachi and Lahore on May 27.

The second leg of PSL 2021 is reportedly scheduled to start on June 5 but the Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to unveil the fixtures.

The 6th edition of Pakistan Super League was postponed in March due to positive COVID-19 cases inside bio-bubbles in Karachi.

(With PTI inputs)