The Pakistan Super League will host its remaining eight 2025 season matches in the UAE, following security concerns from escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
The move halts a PSL schedule originally set for Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, with new dates and venues to be announced shortly.
Stay tuned to BRG365 for live PSL schedule updates.
PSL Schedule: Urgent Shift
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the emergency relocation on May 9, prioritizing player safety amid cross-border drone attacks.
A drone explosion near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday forced the postponement of Peshawar Zalmi vs.
Karachi Kings, the latest disruption to a PSL schedule already frayed by military tensions.
“Cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi are no longer secure for matches,” a PCB official stated. “The PSL schedule cannot proceed when civilian areas face direct threats.”
Drone Attacks Disrupt Schedule
The crisis began with India’s “Operation Sindoor” airstrikes on Wednesday, targeting sites in Pakistan and Kashmir.
By Thursday, PCB reported a drone “misfired” behind Rawalpindi Stadium, though India denied targeting sports venues.
The incident mirrored similar drone sightings in Lahore and Karachi, prompting the PCB to conclude no Pakistani city could guarantee the PSL schedule’s safety.
“This isn’t an isolated incident,” the official added. “The PSL schedule depends on security, which we can no longer assure at home.”
New Schedule Details Pending
While the UAE is confirmed as the new host, exact PSL schedule specifics—including dates and venues like Dubai or Sharjah—remain unannounced.
Overseas players, including England’s James Vince and Australia’s David Warner, are en route to the UAE after a Thursday emergency meeting, where concerns over the PSL schedule’s viability in Pakistan dominated discussions.
The PCB noted the UAE’s familiarity with hosting PSL events, having staged the tournament in 2016 and 2021 (due to COVID-19). “Venues there offer proven infrastructure and security,” the board said.
Player Talks & Schedule Impact
Seven English players consulted the Professional Cricketers’ Association about returning to the UK, though no withdrawals have been confirmed.
The PCB emphasized collaboration with franchises to finalize a revised PSL schedule, warning delays could affect Pakistan’s international calendar—including a May 25 T20 series against Bangladesh, set to start just days after the originally scheduled PSL final.
India’s IPL also adjusted its schedule this week, moving matches from Himachal Pradesh to Ahmedabad due to logistical issues near the border.
UAE: Familiar PSL Venue
The shift marks the third time the PSL has relied on the UAE. The tournament launched there in 2016 and returned in 2021 amid pandemic restrictions.
Fans can expect a similar setup, with double-headers likely to compress the rescheduled PSL schedule and ensure the season concludes on time.
Fan Notice: Refunds for canceled Pakistan matches are available, with UAE tickets going on sale next week.
