Amid escalating military tensions with India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially decided to shift the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the United Arab Emirates. However, within hours, a new update emerged: the final eight matches of the tournament were indefinitely postponed.
Following the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, discussions have resumed about restarting the franchise tournament. According to a report by Pakistani news outlet Geo News, if the PSL resumes, the remaining matches may be held at a single venue.
The tournament was suspended after a drone explosion occurred near Rawalpindi Stadium—one of the PSL venues—on May 8. As a result, the scheduled match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was immediately called off. The entire tournament was officially suspended the next day.
In preparation for a potential resumption of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), all six franchises have been advised to keep their foreign players ready in Dubai and local players on standby within the country.
However, concerns remain about restarting the PSL on Pakistani soil. Although both India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, the lingering tension will take time to ease. For this reason, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has recommended that the PSL be held outside Pakistan.
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should not only consider the UAE as a backup host venue but also explore the option of holding the remaining matches in Bangladesh. According to him, Bangladeshi fans are passionate about cricket, and hosting the tournament there would be beneficial for the PCB.
“If any issues arise, please don’t just shift the tournament to Dubai,” said Basit. “Consider Bangladesh, where even club matches fill the stadiums with enthusiastic fans.”
The 10th edition of the PSL is currently at its final stage, with only eight matches remaining — four in the league phase, three playoffs, and the final. So far, only Quetta Gladiators have secured a spot in the playoffs, winning six of their nine matches for a total of 13 points. Karachi Kings (8 matches) and Islamabad United (9 matches) follow closely with 10 points each.
Lahore Qalandars (9 points), Peshawar Zalmi (8 points), and Multan Sultans (2 points) are next on the table. Former champions Multan have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
UA / TDS
