PSL moves to UAE as tensions escalate

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the remaining fixtures of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to rising cross-border tensions with India.

In a statement released early Friday morning, the PCB said: “The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE. The exact schedule of matches, including dates and venues, will be shared in due course.”

According to Dawn, four league-stage matches remain, which will determine the four teams advancing to the playoffs.

The decision comes after Thursday’s match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled at Pindi Cricket Stadium, was called off just hours before kickoff.

Pakistan’s military reported that nearly two dozen Indian drones had crossed into Pakistani territory since Wednesday night. One of the drones reportedly crashed within the stadium complex, causing minor damage.

In response, officials from the PCB, PSL, and the government held a high-level meeting late into the night. Alternative venues—including Karachi and Dubai—were discussed before deciding on the UAE for the remaining eight matches.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision was made to protect both local and international players from “possible reckless targeting by India.”

He also emphasized the need to ensure the mental well-being of all participants in the tournament.

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir told Dawn earlier that player safety, particularly for foreign cricketers, remains the top priority. “Drones have been brought down in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. We will assess the situation and decide accordingly,” he said.

Sources also indicated that restricting the remaining matches to Rawalpindi was considered during discussions.

The cross-border tensions have also impacted the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned midway, officially due to a “floodlight malfunction,” according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Just hours earlier, the BCCI had announced the relocation of Sunday’s match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad.

Cricket boards worldwide are closely monitoring the situation, especially given the participation of several foreign players in both the PSL and IPL.