PSL 2025 Postponed Indefinitely, Foreign Players Seek Exit

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials cited the advice of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in making this crucial decision, emphasising concerns over players’ mental well-being and the safety of foreign cricketers.

Sharif emphasised that the aggression witnessed over the past 24 hours necessitates the country’s undivided focus on supporting its Armed Forces. Given the gravity of the situation, the PCB deemed it appropriate to momentarily halt the tournament.

Just hours before the decision, the PCB had revealed plans to shift the remaining matches of the tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With eight games left, overseas players and Pakistani cricketers with UAE visas were preparing to depart on Friday night. However, instead of heading to UAE, teams have been instructed to disband immediately, leaving the fate of the PSL uncertain.

According to a report in PTI, the UAE officials have rejected Pakistan’s request, citing security concerns amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan. It is unclear if the Emirates Cricket Board had rejected the request, following Pakistan’s attack on Indian borders.

Despite efforts to salvage the remainder of PSL 2025, the PCB decided to prioritise respect and caution. In an official statement, it stressed that “cricket, while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause.”

With no official timeline announced for the resumption of the league, speculation is mounting over whether PSL 2025 will ever be completed or if this marks an abrupt end to the season.

The sudden postponement comes on the heels of the Indian Premier League (IPL) being temporarily suspended due to the same geopolitical tensions.