Pakistan Super League postponed indefinitely after brief relocation announcement to UAE

People gather outside Pakistan`s Rawalpindi cricket stadium after a suspected drone attack (Pic: AFP)

Just hours after announcing the relocation of the Pakistan Super League to the United Arab Emirates due to mounting cross-border tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday confirmed the indefinite postponement of the tournament.

In an official statement, the PCB said, "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."

The board further emphasised its support for the country's armed forces and their ongoing efforts at the frontlines. "The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation," the statement added.

This development comes amid heightened military tensions in the region, triggered by India's Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese national. India subsequently targeted terror infrastructure across the border, prompting widespread national mobilisation in both countries.

PTI had earlier reported that the Emirates Cricket Board, which maintains close ties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was unlikely to approve PCB's request to host the remainder of the PSL in the UAE. The UAE has been a reliable alternative venue for the IPL in the past, having successfully hosted the full 2020 season and part of 2021. It also hosted India's matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

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.

Meanwhile, in a parallel move, the BCCI has also announced a suspension of the IPL 2025, citing national interest amid the prevailing security situation.

(With PTI inputs)