The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the remaining matches of the PSL 2025 to Dubai due to security concerns. This decision comes after escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Foreign players raised safety concerns, and the PCB made this emergency decision after consulting with franchise representatives.
Safety Concerns Lead to Relocation
In a high-level meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the board decided to shift the remaining PSL 2025 matches to Dubai. The decision came after international cricketers expressed worries about their safety and well-being in Pakistan. An official letter was sent to all teams announcing the shift.
“In light of recent developments and the mental and physical safety of players, the remaining PSL 2025 matches will now take place in Dubai. The new schedule will be shared shortly,” the letter stated.
Karachi Considered but Rejected
The PCB briefly considered completing the tournament in Karachi, but this idea was abandoned after foreign players from multiple countries opposed staying in Pakistan. As a result, all eight remaining PSL matches, including four league games and four play-offs, will now take place in Dubai.
Impact on Foreign Players
The shift to Dubai impacts 37 foreign players from countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, USA, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Namibia. Key names include England’s Sam Billings, James Vince, and Tom Curran, along with Australia’s David Warner and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
Some foreign players, including Chris Jordan and David Willey, had already left Pakistan before the official announcement. Jordan and Willey’s team, Multan Sultans, had failed to qualify for the play-offs, and they returned to Dubai early.
Security Fears Lead to Match Cancellation
Security fears intensified after the scheduled PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi was cancelled. The cancellation came after India conducted airstrikes in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam. The strikes targeted multiple military and terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and PoK.
Sources confirmed that some of these targets were near PSL match venues, including Air Defence Radars in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Dubai to Host the Rest of PSL 2025
The remainder of the PSL 2025 matches will be held in Dubai, with extra security measures in place. Franchise teams and players are expected to arrive in Dubai by the weekend. This move highlights the league’s increasing reliance on foreign talent and the growing importance of player safety in sensitive regions.
