The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday decided to postpone the ongoing Pakistan Super League with eight matches remaining because of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Earlier in the day BCCI too has suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 after the heightened tensions between the nations.
“The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan,” PCB said in a statement said.
“The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India,” read PCB’s statement.
Earlier, PCB confirmed that the last eight fixtures, which were previously scheduled in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore, will now be played in the UAE. “The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE,” PCB said in a media release.
However, a PTI source was quoted today “The Emirates Cricket Board has enjoyed a strong relationship with BCCI in recent years having hosted the ‘India’ edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, editions of the as well as India matches during ICC Champions Trophy 2025.” Dubai is also the headquarter of the International Cricket Council, which is currently headed by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
The PCB said it recognises the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.
India attacked the terror infrastructure in Pakistan, two weeks after 26 civilians, including a Nepalese citizen, were gunned downed by terrorist in Pahalgam – a popular tourists destination in India.
(With agency inputs)
