PSL 2025 postponed indefinitely amid India-Pakistan tensions
Indian Premier League too comes to a halt
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially postponed the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X, following urgent advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in light of escalating border tensions with India.
Until Thursday, the PCB had planned to relocate the tournament to the UAE, with overseas players already scheduled to fly out by Friday night. However, within 24 hours of that announcement, the situation had worsened significantly, prompting the PCB to call off the remainder of the league.
The foreign players are now being repatriated, and domestic squads have begun disbanding.
PSL 2025 postponed indefinitely
An emergency meeting was convened in Islamabad involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and key stakeholders. Foreign players overwhelmingly supported the relocation plan, but evolving security risks overruled logistical preparations. No alternate dates have been announced, and the PCB has not confirmed if the postponed matches will be rescheduled.
The board stated that while cricket brings unity and joy, it must pause in times of national crisis. It also acknowledged the psychological impact on players and their families, affirming that their mental well-being was taken into consideration.
UAE venue abandoned
The abrupt suspension marked a return to uncertainty for a league that had already relocated earlier editions to Dubai due to past security threats. The UAE was once again considered a fallback, but the deteriorating regional situation rendered even that plan untenable. The PCB thanked broadcasters, sponsors, and fans for their continued support and understanding during this disruption.
The decision came just hours after the Indian Premier League was similarly postponed, reflecting the far-reaching impact of the geopolitical crisis on the cricketing world.