‘Security risks and unnecessary friction…’: PSL 2025 hit by UAE snub as Pakistan faces venue dilemma

More problems for PSL as UAE set to reject their request. (Photo: PSL)

Amid the border tensions between India and Pakistan, the Emirates Cricket Board is "unlikely to approve" the PCB's proposal to hold the remaining Pakistan Super League matches in the United Arab Emirates, reports PTI.

As per PTI, a source familiar with the Emirates Cricket Board's (ECB) internal affairs has told that the Board is expected to turn down the request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has already declared that the PSL will take place in the United Arab Emirates.

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The source mentioned "security concerns potentially emanating from the rising tension between India and Pakistan."

The Emirates Cricket Board is said to have "vary of being perceived as an ally of PCB" due to recent events, which it believes the PSL's hosting may imply.

"The Emirates Cricket Board has enjoyed a strong relationship with BCCI in recent years having hosted the 'India' edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, editions of the IPL as well as India matches during ICC Champions Trophy 2025," the source further stated.

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The International Cricket Council, which is now led by Jay Shah, a former BCCI secretary, has its headquarters in Dubai.

"The UAE has a diverse South Asian population which enjoys cricket. Hosting a tournament like the PSL in the midst of such tense circumstances could vitiate harmony, pose security risks and stir unnecessary friction between communities," the source said.

The final eight PSL matches, which were originally planned for Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will now take place in the United Arab Emirates, the PCB announced early Friday morning.

According to a statement, the match schedule, including the dates and locations, will be released when it is ready. A scheduled game between the Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi stadium was canceled by the PCB on Thursday.

India launched missile strikes against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistani occupied Jammu and Kashmir two weeks following the horrific assault in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.