The first 15 matches of the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are likely to be shifted to the UAE or South Africa due to the general elections.

Sources divulged on Tuesday that the meeting of the PSL governing council had ended. During the meeting, it was decided to hold the domestic marquee tournament from February 8 to March 24.

The PCB had briefed the sponsors and production staff in this regard.

According to sources, holding the initial stage of the PSL in Pakistan is not possible due to the general elections.

PCB management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf had asked the PSL franchises to think about staging the PSL abroad.

However, the PSL franchises were having reservations about holding the domestic premium tournament abroad. “The PSL should be held in Pakistan, as it is the brand of the country.”

“The expenses will be increased further if the PSL is staged abroad,” said the franchises.

The PSL franchises were of the view of seeking permission to hold the PSL in Pakistan. “If the interior ministry refuses to provide security during the elections, then we will see about staging the PSL abroad,” the franchises added.

– PCB mulls holding PSL 2024 in Dubai –

Earlier it was reported in September that the PCB was considering to hold the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai.

Sources divulged on Wednesday that the PCB was deciding to take such a decision due to the expected general elections in the country and to cut the expenses of the local administrations. However, the franchises were not in favour of changing the venue for the marquee tournament.

An important meeting of the PSL governing body was summoned on September 25 at the request of the PSL franchises.

Sources privy to the development said: "The franchises seem to have reservations over delays in matters in line with the PSL 2024. The commitments of the foreign cricketers with the other leagues leave the franchises in worry."