PCB mulls resuming remaining PSL 10 matches in Pakistan instead of abroad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated efforts to resume the remaining matches of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following the de-escalation of military tensions after a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.

The tournament was halted due to the hostilities triggered by Indian airstrikes on six locations within Pakistani territory during the night of May 6–7.

Pakistan launched a strong retaliation after conflict escalated with a series of Indian drone attacks, which were subsequently intercepted and downed by Pakistan’s armed forces.

One of the drones targeted the area near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled match on Saturday.

This prompted the PCB to initially consider shifting the tournament to Karachi. However, continued threats and an unsuccessful Indian attempt to target military sites compelled the cricket board to move the remaining matches to Dubai.

Read: PCB decides to continue PSL despite rising tensions with India 

The situation changed swiftly the following day when Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Mursoos, showcasing its military strength by striking at least 26 targets in India.

With tensions easing at the border following the ceasefire agreement, the PCB convened a meeting to determine how and where the remaining matches can be held safely.

Reports indicated that the PCB was considering hosting the remaining matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore, rather than relocating the tournament abroad. A final decision is expected within 48 hours.

Matches that were originally scheduled to be held in Multan are likely to be moved to either Lahore or Rawalpindi.

Read: 'PCB must hold remaining PSL 10 matches in Bangladesh'

The PCB was determing the legal route to resuming match in Pakistan with discussions with all six PSL franchises, who were coordinating with their foreign players to confirm their availability and willingness to return.

Once these arrangements were finalised, a revised tournament schedule will be released. If all goes according to plan, the new match dates could be announced within a week.

The tournament was temporarily suspended last week following a drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which raised significant safety concerns.

Consequently, all foreign players and media personnel left Pakistan. Despite these setbacks, the PCB remains hopeful and is working diligently to resume the tournament in a secure environment.