The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that the remaining fixtures of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will be relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing regional instability. This decision encompasses the final eight matches of the tournament, which include the last four league-stage games, the playoffs, and the final.
In a statement released on Friday, May 9, 2025, the PCB confirmed the change in venue, attributing it to "unwanted circumstances in the region." The board stated, "The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE." They also mentioned that a detailed schedule, including venues and match timings, would be released at a later stage.
Initially, the remaining matches were set to take place across Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, with Rawalpindi hosting four games, Multan one, and Lahore the final three, which included the playoffs. However, uncertainty began to loom earlier this week when the 27th match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi, had to be rescheduled amid growing security concerns.
With the tournament now moving abroad, the PCB is actively engaged in discussions with UAE authorities to finalize logistical details, including venue availability and security arrangements. The escalating tensions in the region have also cast a shadow over Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, which is scheduled for later this month. An official update on that tour is expected soon.
The remaining fixtures of PSL 2025 that will now be played 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
The PSL features six teams representing the six largest cities in Pakistan, competing in the fast-paced Twenty20 format of cricket. The league employs a double round-robin and page playoff system, making it an exciting spectacle for cricket fans. Now in its 10th year, the PSL has become a platform for several top cricket stars from around the world, including prominent players such as Babar Azam, Australian batter David Warner, and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell.
This isn't the first time the PSL has had to adapt its plans in light of external circumstances. The inaugural season back in 2016 was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the Sharjah Association Stadium. Earlier in 2025, Dubai also stepped in to co-host the ICC Champions Trophy alongside Pakistan following a fallout between the cricket boards of the two South Asian nations.
As the PSL 2025 season unfolds in a new location, fans will be eager to see how the teams adapt to the change and what impact it will have on the tournament's outcome. With the playoffs approaching, every match will be critical in determining who will emerge as the champion of this year's PSL.
In conclusion, the PCB's decision to relocate the PSL matches to the UAE reflects the ongoing challenges faced by sports organizations in volatile regions. The league's commitment to ensuring the safety of players and fans alike is paramount, and the PCB's proactive approach in securing alternative arrangements demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the integrity of the tournament.
