PSL HBL X remaining matches shifted to Dubai amid Pak-India tension
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed after long deliberations on Thursday that the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will be moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to growing security concerns amid increasing tensions with India.
“The remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE,” the PCB said in a statement, adding that updated dates and venues will be announced in due course.
Senior board officials, franchise representatives and players held a long meeting after news emerged of an Indian drone falling within the compound of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
It was one of the several drones that were launched from India earlier today, which struck at least 12 cities in Pakistan.
The following fixtures will be rescheduled accordingly:
• Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi
• Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars
• Islamabad United v Karachi Kings
• Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators
• Qualifier
• Eliminator 1
• Eliminator 2
• Final.
PSL moved save Cricket from possible targeting by India: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the remaining fixtures of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) X will be played in the United Arab Emirates to avoid possible strikes on cricket stadiums by India.
According to a statement on the PCB’s website, Naqvi — also the interior minister — noted that politics and sport need to be kept apart but the remaining fixtures of the tournament were moved following “the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium”.
He alleged that the Indian strike “was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X”.
“The PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India,” the PCB chief was quoted as saying.
“As a responsible organisation that has overcome adversities repeatedly and ensured that the game of cricket flourishes, it was important for us to ensure the mental well-being of all players participating in the HBL PSL,” the statement added.
Naqvi said the board was committed to ensuring that the league thrives and expressed hope that stakeholders would stand with the PCB in the interest of the tournament, the players and the fans.
