KARACHI – In a dramatic turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) postponed the remainder of the PSL 2025 season just hours after announcing its relocation to the United Arab Emirates. The decision comes in response to escalating military tensions between Pakistan and India, marking a significant disruption in regional cricketing calendars.
In a press release issued on Friday, the PCB stated that recent developments, including the firing of surface-to-surface missiles from India and the incursion of 78 surveillance drones across the Line of Control (LoC), left no choice but to halt the tournament. “The safety and mental well-being of all players is our utmost priority,” the board emphasized.
The call to postpone was reportedly made following a directive from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who advised immediate protective measures in light of the deteriorating security situation. “The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our brave soldiers guarding the nation,” the board declared.
The announcement came on the same day as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paused the ongoing IPL 2025 for at least one week. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the temporary suspension, adding that individual franchises would decide the fate of their foreign players and support staff.
Tensions spiked further after a drone strike near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium led to the abrupt cancellation of Thursday’s PSL match. The incident caused immediate concern among the 37 foreign players in the league, including cricketing stars like David Warner (Australia), Jason Holder (West Indies), and Michael Bracewell (New Zealand).
Many overseas players reportedly requested to leave Pakistan after the attack, citing growing unease. The PCB said it fully respected those concerns: “We value the trust placed in us by international players and understand the emotional strain such events can cause for them and their families.”
Initially, the PCB had planned to shift the final eight matches — including play-offs and the grand final scheduled for May 18 — to the UAE, a venue familiar with hosting PSL editions in the past. However, after further assessments, the decision was reversed, and a full postponement was announced later in the day.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi earlier stated the relocation to the UAE aimed to avoid “reckless targeting by India.” However, with rapidly changing dynamics and rising threat levels, postponement became the only feasible option.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia issued its own statement acknowledging the serious situation in the region. With several Australian players and coaches participating in both PSL and IPL, the board said it is in close contact with the Australian government, the PCB, the BCCI, and relevant local authorities. “We are constantly monitoring developments and maintaining open communication with our players,” the statement noted.
This suspension marks one of the most politically sensitive interruptions in the cricketing calendar, underscoring how geopolitical tensions continue to impact global sports.
