Daijiworld Media Network- Lahore
Lahore, May 9: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to relocate the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Dubai, bowing to concerns raised by foreign players over their safety and mental well-being.
The emergency move was finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, attended by representatives from all six PSL franchises. The Board, after deliberating over growing apprehensions expressed by international cricketers, announced the shift via an official letter to teams.
"In light of recent developments and the mental and physical safety of players, the remaining PSL matches will now take place in Dubai. The new schedule will be shared shortly. All foreign players will travel to Dubai by early Friday," the letter reportedly stated, as cited by telecomasia.net.
The possibility of completing the tournament in Karachi was briefly considered, but ultimately shelved after players from several countries firmly opposed staying in Pakistan, sources revealed.
The decision impacts the final eight matches of the tournament—four league games and four play-offs. A total of 37 foreign players are currently part of PSL franchises, hailing from England, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, USA, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Namibia.
Key names include England’s Sam Billings, James Vince, Tom Curran and Chris Jordan; Australians David Warner and Sean Abbott; New Zealanders Finn Allen and Kane Williamson; West Indies stars Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers; and Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
Several foreign players had reportedly begun making arrangements to leave Pakistan even before the official relocation announcement. Chris Jordan and David Willey, whose team Multan Sultans failed to qualify for the playoffs, had already returned to Dubai.
Security fears peaked after Thursday’s scheduled PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi was abruptly cancelled. The cancellation followed India’s precision airstrikes targeting multiple high-value terror infrastructure points across Pakistan and PoK, in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Sources in the defence establishment confirmed that India also targeted strategic military assets, including Air Defence Radars in Rawalpindi and Lahore—locations in close proximity to PSL match venues.
As regional tensions continue to simmer, the PCB’s prompt decision reflects the league's growing dependence on foreign talent and the increasing sensitivity surrounding their safety in conflict zones.
The remaining PSL matches in Dubai will be held under tightened security protocols, with franchise teams and players expected to regroup in the UAE by the weekend.