The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to put a hold on the last eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for now. This comes as tensions are rising between India and Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack. Just before this decision, there were reports about the Emirates Cricket Board not wanting to host the PSL in the UAE.
The season was interrupted after India carried out a drone strike on Pakistan, which was seen as a response to targeting military bases along the border, including one near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The PCB first announced that the remaining matches would go to the UAE, but then hours later, news broke that the Emirates Cricket Board was likely to turn down the request due to concerns about being seen as taking sides with the PCB.
The PCB released a statement saying that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif advised them to postpone the games. They recognized everyone involved in making the tournament happen so far, but they emphasized that while cricket usually brings joy, it’s important to take a respectful break during tough times.
They also showed concern for the mental health of players and understood that many foreign players’ families want them to return home. The postponed matches were supposed to take place in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore.
A source mentioned that the Emirates Cricket Board has had a good relationship with the BCCI, having hosted various cricket events, including Indian matches in the past. They pointed out that hosting a tournament like the PSL during such a tense time could create problems and worsen community relations.
