Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly prepared plan B for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight after the deadlock with the interim Punjab government over security expenses worsened.

As many as 20 matches including playoffs and final of the T20 cricket league are scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Rawalpindi will host 11 fixtures and three Pakistan Women’s League exhibition matches, whereas Lahore will host nine.

On Friday, a delegation representing the caretaker Punjab government met with PCB Chairman Najam Sethi, but the meeting ended without a resolution as both parties refused to back down from their stance.

It was understood that the provincial government had demanded Rs450 million ($1,723,000 approx) – half of the original cost which is Rs900 million for PSL security. However, PCB is adamant against paying, saying that it is the responsibility of the local government.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Punjab government had spent Rs600 million on the tournament last year, adding “his cabinet is not ready to sanction the expenses” this time.

Being “an interim set-up they cannot spend money”, he said.

The second round of the meeting between both parties is underway at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, at the time of filing this report.

And if the deadlock remains intact, the board will move the league to Karachi from February 28.

PSL Director Usman Wahla also arrived in Karachi on Saturday as the city is all set to host its last game of the tournament.

PSL franchises and the board are on the same page when it comes to the additional bill to the Punjab government. They have unanimously decided not to bare the additional cost. The board had discussed its alternate plan in the meeting with franchises as well.

Moreover, the deadlock could also cost Punjab to lose the Pakistan and New Zealand white-ball series in April and May.