Panic in PSL: Matches Moved to UAE After India’s Strikes Rattle Pakistan

GG News Bureau
Lahore/Dubai,9th May: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the relocation of the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the United Arab Emirates due to escalating military tensions with India. The decision comes amid growing concerns among foreign players over their safety following recent air strikes and heightened conflict in the region.

The PCB confirmed that the last eight fixtures of PSL 2025, originally slated to be held in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will now take place in the UAE. “The schedule, with new dates and venues, will be released soon,” the PCB said in an official statement issued early this morning.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was impacted in a recent strike, disrupting the tournament’s operations. “As a responsible organisation that has repeatedly overcome adversity, our priority remains the mental well-being and safety of both domestic and international players,” Naqvi stated.

This move follows the abrupt cancellation of Thursday’s match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi. British media reports have suggested that several English players were contemplating an exit from the tournament due to mounting security risks.

A report by The Telegraph said English players were “split on whether to remain in Pakistan and play cricket,” adding that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Professional Cricketers’ Association had held an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Although players have not been formally advised to return home, some are actively exploring their options, the report noted.

Seven English cricketers — James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore — are part of this season’s PSL, along with coaches Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley. Other international stars participating in the league include David Warner (Karachi Kings), Jason Holder, and Rassie van der Dussen (Islamabad United).

The Indian Ministry of Defence, responding to Pakistan’s claim of civilian infrastructure damage, clarified that Thursday’s precision strikes targeted only air defence systems after Pakistan attempted strikes at 15 locations across India’s northern and western zones the previous night.