Ejoo writer
PCB Shifts Remaining HBL PSL X Matches to UAE
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that the rest of the HBL Pakistan Super League X (PSL X) matches will be moved from Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Originally, the last eight matches were planned to be held in the cities of Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore. But now, all these matches will be played in the UAE. This decision came after certain unexpected problems made it hard to continue hosting the matches in Pakistan.
The PCB has said that they will share the new schedule, including the dates and stadiums, very soon. Fans and players are eager to know when and where the remaining matches will happen.
This change is important because it affects not just the teams and players, but also fans who were excited to watch the matches live in their local stadiums. Moving to the UAE ensures the tournament can continue safely and smoothly.
Why Did UAE Refuse to Host IPL Matches?
At the same time, there was news that the Indian Premier League (IPL) wanted to hold its remaining 2025 matches in the UAE. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had reportedly contacted the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with a request to use Dubai stadiums for the IPL.
However, the UAE said no to this request because they had already made a prior commitment to the PCB. The PCB had booked the Dubai venues for the remaining PSL X matches.
This means the UAE could not accommodate both major cricket leagues at the same time. The ECB informed the BCCI that the stadiums were already reserved for the PSL. This left the IPL organizers with no choice but to look for other options or postpone their matches.
This decision shows how important proper scheduling is when two big cricket leagues want to use the same international venues. It also highlights how the PCB was quick and effective in securing the location they needed for their matches.
PCB Took Fast Action to Secure Dubai Venues
The PCB moved quickly to secure the Dubai venues. On the night of May 8th, they finalized all the arrangements and made an official announcement shortly afterward.
When the BCCI reached out to the Emirates Cricket Board, they were told that the stadiums were already booked by the PCB for PSL 10. This left the IPL organizers scrambling to figure out what to do next.
As a result, the UAE has paused its decision on hosting any IPL matches because of the current booking situation. The Indian board is now exploring whether they can host the remaining IPL matches in September.
However, Indian media have raised concerns because the Asia Cup 2025 is also scheduled around that time. This could cause challenges for both tournaments, making it difficult to find available time slots and venues.
PCB Moves PSL Matches Due to Safety Concerns
The PCB’s decision to move the PSL matches to the UAE was mainly due to safety issues. In fact, the 27th match of the PSL X, which was supposed to be played between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, had to be rescheduled just a few hours before it started.
Authorities said this was done because of safety concerns. They wanted to protect the players, officials, and fans from any possible dangers.
Given these conditions, the PCB thought it would be safer to relocate the rest of the tournament to the UAE. This move ensures that the remaining matches, including the playoffs and the final, can go on without further disruptions or threats.
Yesterday News: PCB Moves PSL 10 to Karachi to Protect Players and Fans
What’s Left in the PSL X Tournament?
As PSL X reaches its final stage, there are only eight matches left to play. This includes four league-stage matches and four playoff matches.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see how their favorite teams perform in the upcoming games. Even though the matches will no longer take place in Pakistan, the excitement remains high among cricket lovers.
The move to the UAE means that the tournament will continue in world-class stadiums, with strong security and smooth organization. Both local and international players will now play in a safe and well-prepared environment.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s Strong Statement
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a strong statement explaining why the decision was taken to move the matches out of Pakistan.
He said the PCB has always believed that politics and sports should be kept separate. However, due to what he called India’s “irresponsible and dangerous” act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the PCB felt they had no choice but to shift the remaining matches to the UAE.
Naqvi emphasized that this move was made to protect the safety and mental well-being of both local and international players. He referred to these players as “precious guests” and said the PCB would not risk their safety.
PCB’s Commitment to Cricket Despite Challenges
The PCB has faced many challenges over the years but has always worked hard to keep cricket alive and thriving in Pakistan.
In his statement, Naqvi said the board’s main priority is to make sure cricket continues, no matter what obstacles come in the way. He expressed regret that Pakistani fans would not be able to watch the matches live in the country’s stadiums.
However, he also called on all stakeholders — including sponsors, players, fans, and partners — to continue supporting the tournament. Naqvi promised that the PCB would do everything it could to make sure the league stays strong and successful.
Fans and Players React to the News
Many fans expressed sadness at the news, as they were excited to watch the remaining PSL matches in their home cities. For them, the stadium experience — the atmosphere, the cheers, and the energy — is a big part of the fun.
However, most fans also understand that safety comes first. They want to make sure that players, coaches, staff, and spectators are not put in danger. Watching the games on TV or online will still allow them to enjoy the excitement of the competition.
Players, too, have reacted positively, knowing that they will now be able to focus fully on their game without worrying about outside risks. For international players, the move to Dubai means they can play in a familiar and secure environment.
The Bigger Impact on Cricket Scheduling
The clash between the PSL and IPL scheduling highlights how busy the global cricket calendar has become. With so many international tournaments, leagues, and tours, it’s becoming harder and harder to find free venues and time slots.
The IPL’s search for a new date and location now depends on avoiding clashes with the Asia Cup and other major cricket events. This adds pressure on organizers to plan ahead carefully.
For the PCB, securing the UAE venues in time was a smart and strategic move. It ensured the smooth continuation of the PSL while also showing the world that they can handle complex challenges.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect
Fans can look forward to some thrilling matches as the PSL X tournament nears its end. Even though the location has changed, the intensity and competition are expected to remain just as strong.
The playoffs and final will determine which team takes home the PSL trophy, and many top players will be giving it their all on the field. Fans around the world will be tuning in to watch, cheer, and support their favorite teams.
The PCB has promised to release the full match schedule soon, so everyone can mark their calendars and get ready for the action. Whether watching from home or following updates online, cricket lovers are in for an exciting ride.
