The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday that the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held in the United Arab Emirates, citing security concerns after a drone incident near Rawalpindi Stadium.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, including a drone that approached the stadium on Thursday morning. According to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistani forces intercepted and neutralized 28 Indian drones, one of which was detected close to the stadium. He described the incident as a “deliberate attempt to target domestic and international cricketers.”
In an official statement, the PCB confirmed the relocation of the tournament and said that a revised schedule would be shared soon. The board emphasized that the safety of players, especially international participants, is its top priority.
“After several consultations with PSL franchises and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Interior Minister, it was concluded that moving the event was necessary to safeguard the players,” the statement read.
Naqvi stressed that while sports and politics should remain separate, the serious nature of the threat compelled the PCB to take action. “This irresponsible and dangerous move by India left us with no choice but to shift the remaining PSL matches to the UAE. Our foreign players are valued guests, and their safety is paramount,” he stated.
A scheduled match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi was postponed after a drone crash-landed near the venue. The PSL currently features 37 international players from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
This latest escalation comes just days after India carried out airstrikes in Pakistan, following accusations that Islamabad supported an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a claim Pakistan denies. In retaliation, Pakistan launched heavy artillery fire, and both nations have since reported multiple drone attacks.
International cricket had only recently made a full return to Pakistan in 2020 after a long hiatus caused by the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Many of the foreign players participating in this season’s PSL had previously toured Pakistan with their national teams.
The PCB will soon issue a revised schedule for the following matches:
- Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi
- Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars
- Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings
- Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators
- Qualifier
- Eliminator 1
- Eliminator 2
- Final
