Pakistan Super League Resumes in UAE Amid Rising Tensions
Pakistan Super League Returns to UAE
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to continue in the UAE following a pause in its schedule due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan.
On May 8, multiple drone sightings from India were reported across various locations in Pakistan, coinciding with Indian missile strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred in April.
Reports suggest that Pakistan managed to shoot down one of the drones near Rawalpindi, a key venue for PSL matches. India confirmed that its drone activity was a reaction to Pakistan's alleged military engagement attempts on Tuesday night.
In response to these developments, Pakistan promptly postponed the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently assessing suitable venues for the rescheduled matches, which may take several days to finalize.
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As reported by ESPNcricinfo, foreign players have raised security concerns and are contemplating withdrawing from the tournament. Consequently, players are now traveling from Pakistan to the UAE for the league.
An earlier announcement from the PCB indicated that the league would be rescheduled, but it did not initially specify that it would be relocated outside of Pakistan, although Karachi was considered as a potential venue.
The PSL, now in its tenth season, originally commenced in the UAE in 2016, with its first two seasons held entirely there, except for the final in 2017. Parts of the 2021 season were also hosted in the UAE due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Impact on Bangladesh Series
While the PSL is set to resume in the UAE, the delay will also affect Pakistan's international cricket schedule.
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Bangladesh was scheduled to arrive just three days after the PSL final, which was initially planned for May 18, with five T20 matches set to begin on May 25 in Faisalabad. However, the PCB has informed ESPNcricinfo that no decisions have been made regarding the future of that series.