PCB Halts Ongoing Domestic Cricket Events Amid Cross-Border Tensions

May 10, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the immediate suspension of all ongoing domestic cricket competitions across the country, citing escalating cross-border tensions with India over the past three days. The decision comes after reports confirmed the exchange of ammunition along the border, raising serious security concerns.

In an official statement released on Saturday, May 10, the PCB confirmed the postponement of the President’s Trophy Grade-II, Regional Intra-District Challenge Cup, and the Inter-District U19 One-Day tournament. These competitions, which were ongoing at various venues, will be resumed from the same stage once the situation stabilizes. The PCB has assured stakeholders that a revised schedule will be shared in due course.

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“The Pakistan Cricket Board confirms that the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-II, Regional Intra-District Challenge Cup, Inter-District U19 One-Day tournament have been postponed with immediate effect due to prevailing security conditions in the country,” the statement read.

Earlier, the PCB had also called off the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), after their request to relocate the tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was turned down. The UAE, which has previously hosted the PSL, reportedly declined the request amid concerns over its diplomatic ties, especially given the increasing tension between India and Pakistan.

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Sources suggest that the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), despite having a positive relationship with PCB in the past, was reluctant to appear aligned with the Pakistani board during this volatile period. It is believed that hosting PSL matches could be interpreted as siding with PCB at a time when regional sensitivity is heightened.

Adding complexity to the matter, Dubai—home to the International Cricket Council (ICC)—is also where BCCI secretary Jay Shah currently serves as the ICC Chairman. This political backdrop appears to have played a part in the ECB’s decision.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL), although only for a week, in light of the recent developments.

In its statement, the PCB acknowledged the cooperation and understanding shown by its partners, franchises, players, broadcasters, and sponsors. “We recognise the efforts and support of our stakeholders in ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament so far,” the board said.

While the PCB has not specified a timeline for resuming cricket activities, it reiterated that the remaining PSL matches, originally scheduled for Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will be moved to the UAE—pending a fresh round of approvals and improvements in the regional situation.

The postponement marks a major disruption in Pakistan’s domestic cricket calendar and highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on international and domestic sports.