The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announces the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.
The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.
According to the PCB, the decision to postpone was taken pursuant to advice received from Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif keeping in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.
Earlier, PCB had announced the relocation of the remaining PSL games to Dubai following a series of drone attacks allegedly carried out by India, including one near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium that left several people injured. The attacks come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, which appear to be on the brink of war.
Peshawar Zalmi were set to face Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Wednesday, but the match was postponed after a drone reportedly crashed onto the nearby food street, injuring several civilians.
In an emergency meeting involving all six franchises and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi—who also serves as the country’s interior minister—concerns raised by foreign players were discussed in detail.
Considering the safety and mental well-being of all players involved in the PSL, the league has been moved to Dubai. The remaining matches will be played there under a revised schedule. Foreign players will fly out to Dubai early Friday.
Sources also told Telecomasia.net that an option to shift the remaining eight matches—four league fixtures and four play-offs — to Karachi was considered. However, foreign players were unwilling to remain in Pakistan due to negative travel advisories issued by several governments.
A total of 37 overseas players are part of this year’s PSL. Notable names from England include Sam Billings, James Vince, Tom Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood.
Australia is represented by David Warner, Mitchell Owen, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Max Bryant, Ashton Turner, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis. From New Zealand, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Colin Munro, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson are also participating.
Other international players include West Indians Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein and Shai Hope; Bangladesh's Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana; Andries Gous from the USA; Sri Lankans Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera; Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran; Ireland’s Curtis Campher and Josh Little; Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza; and Namibia’s David Wiese.
England’s Willey and Jordan have already returned to Dubai following the elimination of their team, Multan Sultans. Australian and New Zealand players have also expressed unwillingness to stay in Pakistan due to security concerns.
