The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initiative to move the remaining matches of the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seems to be losing momentum, as the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly inclined to reject the proposal. According to a report by PTI, this development arises at a time of increasing military tensions between India and Pakistan, following the terror attack in Pahalgam and ensuing cross-border retaliations.
Initially, the PCB had declared its decision to shift the last eight matches of the PSL season—including the playoffs and final—from Pakistan to the UAE. These games were originally scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore. However, insiders from the ECB have indicated the board’s reluctance to accommodate this shift, citing concerns related to regional instability and the potential political consequences of supporting Pakistan under such circumstances.
The PTI report quoted a source familiar with the ECB’s stance, stating that the board is “unlikely to approve” the PCB’s request. The source attributed this stance to fears that the ECB could be seen as siding with Pakistan during a delicate period of increased hostility between the two neighboring nations. “Security concerns potentially emanating from the rising tension between India and Pakistan,” were noted as a primary reason for the ECB’s hesitance.
The ECB is reportedly mindful of the sensitive regional dynamics and the broader implications of holding a Pakistani tournament on Emirati soil during a time of political volatility. One source explained to PTI that “a tournament like the PSL, held amid such tense circumstances, could vitiate harmony, pose security risks and stir unnecessary friction between communities.”
The UAE is home to a large and diverse South Asian population, including significant numbers of both Indian and Pakistani nationals. With emotions running high due to the current geopolitical situation, authorities in the Emirates are wary that hosting matches involving Pakistani teams may risk inciting unrest among communities. The source further added that, “community safety and preserving social harmony are vital priorities that may be affected by hosting a high-profile tournament like this at a time like now.”
Adding another layer to the complexity is the ECB’s longstanding partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Over the years, the ECB has hosted multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, facilitated the Indian segment of the 2021 T20 World Cup, and staged several of India’s matches in ICC tournaments. These arrangements have contributed to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the two cricketing bodies.
With the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquartered in Dubai, and its current chairman being former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the ECB is particularly conscious of its alignment with Indian cricket. There is concern within the board that accommodating the PCB’s request could strain these vital ties with Indian authorities and cricket administrators. Supporting Pakistan’s PSL at this juncture might inadvertently be interpreted as a political statement, which the ECB appears keen to avoid.
The PCB’s relocation plans were announced earlier today, indicating that the final eight matches of the 2025 PSL, including the knockout rounds, would now be played in the UAE. Despite this announcement, no official venues or dates have been disclosed, adding to the prevailing uncertainty about whether these fixtures will materialize abroad. The ambiguity is further compounded by recent developments in Pakistan itself.
Last Thursday, a prominent PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi, was abruptly called off due to security fears. This cancellation heightened the sense of instability surrounding the league and prompted the PCB to explore options for shifting the remaining matches overseas, with the UAE being the first choice due to its historical support for hosting international cricket, particularly during crises.
Yet, given the broader context—rising military confrontations, diplomatic tensions, and communal sensitivities—the UAE may be compelled to step back from involvement in this year’s edition of the PSL. While the PCB has not publicly commented on any resistance from the ECB, it now finds itself in a precarious position, having announced a relocation without securing firm commitments from the host nation.
Should the ECB officially decline the proposal, the PCB will likely need to reassess its plans rapidly. It may be forced to either seek another neutral venue or attempt to resume matches in Pakistan under tighter security protocols—though the latter option could draw criticism or pose further safety risks.
The PSL has long sought to position itself as a globally recognized tournament, and over the years, matches held in Pakistan have symbolized the return of top-level cricket to the country after years of isolation due to terrorism threats. However, the recent deterioration in Indo-Pak relations is once again casting a shadow over Pakistan’s efforts to maintain its sporting calendar without disruptions.
As things stand, the fate of the final eight PSL 2025 matches remains undecided. While the PCB’s intent to safeguard the tournament by shifting it abroad is clear, the geopolitical reality may soon force a rethink. The Emirates, balancing its internal community stability and external diplomatic relationships, especially with India, appears to be treading carefully.
Unless alternative solutions emerge quickly, the PCB may face a logistical and reputational setback. With no confirmed venue, mounting security concerns, and waning external support, the PSL could be looking at a turbulent conclusion to its 2025 season. The situation is evolving, but the ECB’s growing reservations point toward an eventual refusal to serve as host—leaving the PCB scrambling for options amid a fraught regional climate.