Jay Shah and his strong relation with Emirates Cricket Board behind PSL's failed relocation to UAE - Report

ECB have rejected PCB's request to shift PSL in UAE. (Photo: X)

The military tensions between India and Pakistan had a fine effect on cricket events behind the scenes as well. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) recently turned down a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai. This decision is believed to have followed a subtle suggestion from Indian cricket officials, reports Cricbuzz.

“When soldiers are dying at the border, we cannot keep quiet,” a cricket official reportedly said, emphasizing the wider political context (as per Cricbuzz).

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Cricbuzz had earlier hinted at India’s indirect involvement, and the ECB’s move now appears to reflect that influence. Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and current ICC Chair, is said to have played a key role. His strong ties with UAE cricket authorities, strengthened during the staging of the IPL and the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, were instrumental.

Mubashir Usmani, Secretary General of the ECB and originally from Mumbai, has maintained a cordial relationship with the BCCI, especially under Shah’s leadership. “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai,” an ECB official told Cricbuzz.

Initially, the PCB had announced plans to shift the remaining eight PSL matches to Dubai. However, they were forced to reverse the decision just hours later, citing concerns from foreign players and their families.

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“We respect the mental well-being of our players and understand the concerns of their families,” the PCB said, acknowledging that the foreign contingent was unwilling to continue under the current circumstances.

The ECB, after first agreeing to the arrangement, eventually withdrew permission for the use of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and later quoted hosting costs that the financially strained PCB could not afford.