Last Friday, May 9, following the commencement of cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan, the PCB announced that the PSL would be moved to the UAE for the remainder of the tournament.
However, this announcement was premature, as it turned out the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officially rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, citing geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
The PCB, in response, announced the postponement of the final eight matches of the tournament, which were originally rescheduled from Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore to the UAE.
The decision marked a significant setback for the PCB’s plans and underscores the complex intersection of cricket administration and regional politics.
Geopolitical risks prompt UAE refusal
The ECB’s refusal came in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead. India responded with missile strikes into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, creating a volatile backdrop for any cross-border cricketing collaboration.
Citing “security concerns potentially emanating from the rising tension between India and Pakistan,” a source within the ECB told PTI that the board is unwilling to assume the risks associated with hosting PSL matches under such circumstances.
Given its large South Asian diaspora, the UAE is treading cautiously. “The UAE has a diverse South Asian population which enjoys cricket. Hosting a tournament like the PSL in the midst of such tense circumstances could vitiate harmony, pose security risks and stir unnecessary friction between communities,” added a source close to the ECB.
ECB prioritizes BCCI ties in decision-making
One of the key reasons for the ECB’s rejection lies in its increasingly close relationship with Indian cricket authorities. “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai,” said an ECB official, reflecting the board’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with India’s governing body.
That relationship has been cemented through high-profile collaborations over recent years. “The Emirates Cricket Board has enjoyed a strong relationship with BCCI in recent years having hosted the ‘India’ edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, editions of the IPL as well as India matches during ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” said a source close to the ECB.
With Dubai also serving as the headquarters of the International Cricket Council (ICC), currently chaired by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the ECB’s alignment with Indian cricket interests appears both strategic and deliberate.
PCB postpones PSL, citing player welfare
In response to the ECB’s decision, the PCB has officially postponed the remaining fixtures of PSL 2025. The board emphasized that the move was taken in the best interest of players and their families during this turbulent time.
“We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home,” the PCB stated.
The postponement follows the earlier cancellation of a marquee match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi, underscoring the growing insecurity around the league’s domestic operations as well.
Cricket’s fragile position in a divided region
The UAE has historically provided a neutral ground for Pakistan cricket, having hosted multiple editions of the PSL and bilateral series in the past. But with tensions flaring between India and Pakistan, the political stakes have shifted.
Unlike previous occasions, the current environment has made neutrality more difficult to sustain. The UAE’s decision reflects a clear desire to protect its internal harmony and its external cricketing alliances—particularly with India.
With no new hosting plan revealed, the PCB is left to consider its next steps. The rejected UAE request and subsequent postponement signal not just a logistical disruption, but a broader reminder of how vulnerable cricket remains to the geopolitical storms surrounding it.
