PSL shifted to UAE, day after Rawalpindi stadium attack; rising India-Pakistan escalations trigger concerns

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been urgently moved to the United Arab Emirates just a day after a suspected drone attack near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium disrupted play and heightened fears for player safety. As tensions between India and Pakistan flare following India's Operation Sindoor and retaliatory strikes, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the relocation amid growing security concerns.

Rawalpindi explosion halts play, sparks panic

Thursday¡¯s scheduled match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was abruptly postponed after a loud explosion occurred behind the stadium in Rawalpindi. Pakistan¡¯s military later claimed to have intercepted Indian drones across multiple cities, including Rawalpindi, where one allegedly misfired. Though the claims remain unverified, the incident sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, prompting immediate security reviews.

PCB: "No city is safe anymore"

In an emergency briefing, a senior PCB official acknowledged that the threat had escalated beyond Rawalpindi, ¡°if Rawalpindi is not safe, then neither is Lahore or Karachi. Drones have hit smaller cities too ¡ª no part of Pakistan can be guaranteed secure at this point.¡± This realization led to swift discussions on either pausing the tournament or shifting it abroad.

UAE chosen as safe haven for remaining fixtures

After weighing multiple options, the PCB confirmed the remainder of the PSL season ¡ª eight matches in total ¡ª will be hosted in the UAE. The country, which has previously served as a temporary home for Pakistan cricket, was chosen for its infrastructure and proven security arrangements.

Venues and new match dates are expected to be announced shortly, but planning is already underway to transition teams and personnel to the Gulf state.

The decision follows intense meetings involving players from England, Australia, and the West Indies. England¡¯s James Vince, Chris Jordan, and David Willey, among others, were reportedly split on whether to stay or leave. Australian opener David Warner and former West Indies captain Jason Holder were also involved in safety consultations, with input from the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA).

India also feels impact of crisis

The instability is not limited to Pakistan. In India, a Punjab Kings match in Dharamsala was stopped midway due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.