🇵🇰 Rattled PCB Shifts Pakistan Super League to UAE Amid India-Pakistan Military Tensions

As Operation Sindoor escalates regional conflict, foreign players express safety concerns; Rawalpindi Stadium reportedly impacted in airstrikes.

Islamabad | May 9, 2025 –
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially moved the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing mounting security concerns following military escalations between India and Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.

The final eight matches of the tournament, initially slated for Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will now be held in the UAE, PCB confirmed early Friday. A revised match schedule is expected to be released soon.

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“As a responsible organisation, our priority is the mental well-being and safety of all players,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, adding that foreign players were especially anxious after a recent strike reportedly impacted the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

While India’s Defence Ministry maintains it only targeted air defence radars and systems, not civilian infrastructure, the situation on the ground has created anxiety among players, particularly overseas recruits.

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🏏 Foreign Players Seek Exit

A report from The Telegraph (UK) revealed that English players involved in the PSL were “split” on staying, and some are exploring early departures. Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not issued a recall, multiple emergency calls with players and the Professional Cricketers’ Association were held this week.

Among those currently playing in the PSL:

• James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
• Coaches Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley are also present.

Other international stars like David Warner, Jason Holder, and Rassie van der Dussen are also participating, raising further logistical and safety concerns for PCB.

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The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was abruptly cancelled on Thursday due to nearby military activity and air raid alerts.

🛡️ Background: Operation Sindoor Fallout

Tensions have spiked dramatically since India’s targeted airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

India claims its operations were precise and non-escalatory, but Pakistan responded with a wave of missile and drone attacks, most of which were neutralised by Indian air defence systems.

🏷️ Tags:

Pakistan Super League, PSL UAE Shift, India Pakistan Conflict, Operation Sindoor, PCB, PSL Foreign Players, Cricket and Conflict, Rawalpindi Stadium Strike, OperationSindoor,