UAE Likely to Reject PCB’s Request to Host Remaining PSL 2025 Matches Amid India-Pakistan Flare Up

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposal to relocate the remaining matches of the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the UAE is reportedly facing a setback, with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) said to be leaning towards rejecting the request, according to a PTI report.

The situation arises amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border military actions.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Although the PCB had earlier announced plans to stage the final eight matches-including the playoffs and final, originally set to take place in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore-in the UAE, sources within the ECB indicate a reluctance to proceed.

The board is concerned about the regional security climate and the potential political implications of supporting the PCB during this volatile period, PTI reported..

With Dubai being home to the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters and enjoying strong cricketing ties with India, the ECB is reportedly cautious about any involvement that might be seen as controversial.

A well-placed source within the ECB told PTI that the board is "unlikely to approve" the proposal due to fears of being seen as siding with Pakistan amidst heightened tensions with India.

"Security concerns, arising from the escalating conflict between the two nations, are a significant factor," the source said.

Concerns over public safety

The UAE, with its large and diverse South Asian population, is concerned that hosting the PSL during this sensitive period could disrupt communal harmony.

"Holding the tournament under such circumstances could threaten public safety, spark tension, and provoke unnecessary discord within communities," the ECB source added.

Preserving strong ties with BCCI

The Emirates Cricket Board has cultivated a strong relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), having previously hosted Indian Premier League matches, the UAE leg of the 2021 T20 World Cup, and various ICC events featuring India.

With the ICC headquartered in Dubai and chaired by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the ECB is reportedly wary of jeopardising its valuable rapport with Indian cricket authorities.

PCB's plans now uncertain

Earlier today, the PCB had announced that the remaining eight PSL fixtures would be moved to the UAE, although no specific dates or venues were provided.

The announcement comes amid heightened uncertainty, following the cancellation of a key fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi on Thursday due to security issues.