In a significant turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the relocation of the remaining fixtures of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This decision comes as the last eight matches, including the final, which were initially set to take place in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will now be hosted in the UAE.
On May 9, 2025, the PCB confirmed the shift in a statement, emphasizing the need for safety amidst the current geopolitical climate. The board stated, "The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE." However, the exact schedule detailing dates and venues for these matches is yet to be announced, with the PCB assuring fans that updates will follow soon.
This decision was prompted by a series of military actions and retaliations between the two nations. Just days earlier, on May 7, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives on April 22. The operation has heightened military tensions, leading to increased cross-border shelling and retaliatory strikes from both sides.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed regret over the situation, stating, "I regret that our domestic audience and cricket lovers will not be able to watch these matches in Pakistan's stadiums." He further emphasized the PCB's stance on maintaining a separation between politics and sports, but noted that the security of players and fans took precedence. "The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India," Naqvi added.
The last matches scheduled in Pakistan included high-stakes games featuring popular franchises like Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, and Lahore Qalandars. The fixtures now set to occur in the UAE include:
- Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi
- Peshawar Zalmi vs. Lahore Qalandars
- Islamabad United vs. Karachi Kings
- Multan Sultans vs. Quetta Gladiators
- Qualifier
- Eliminator 1
- Eliminator 2
- Final
While the PCB has taken steps to ensure the safety of players and fans, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly expressed reservations about hosting the PSL matches. Sources indicate that the ECB is "unlikely to approve" the PCB's request, citing security concerns stemming from the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The ECB fears that hosting the PSL during such a volatile period could be perceived as a political alignment with the PCB, which they wish to avoid.
The ECB's cautious approach is informed by its longstanding relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), having hosted numerous IPL matches and ICC events in the past. The board is also aware that the UAE's diverse South Asian population, which enjoys cricket, could face heightened tensions if the PSL is held amidst ongoing conflicts.
In light of these developments, the PCB's announcement also coincides with the suspension of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) for a week, as confirmed by the BCCI. "While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity and security of our country," said Devajit Saikia, honorary secretary of the BCCI.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the PCB remains committed to ensuring that the PSL continues to thrive despite these challenges. Naqvi stated, "As a responsible organisation that has overcome adversities repeatedly and ensured that the game of cricket flourishes, it was important for us to ensure the mental well-being of all players participating in the HBL PSL. Like in the past, we hope that our stakeholders will rally with us to further the best interests of the tournament, our players, and the fans."
The situation remains fluid, with fans eager to see how the PCB will navigate these tumultuous waters and what the future holds for cricket in the region. With the PSL now set to unfold in the UAE, cricket enthusiasts are left to ponder the implications of politics on sports and the future of international fixtures in such a charged atmosphere.
