Remaining HBL PSL X matches shifted to UAE

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated the remaining HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X matches to the UAE due to security concerns amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

The decision was taken following drones attacks by India on Pakistan's soil, especially on the cities including Lahore and Rawalpindi which were going to host seven of the remaining eight matches of the country's marquee league.

The PCB in its late night decision, following in-depth deliberation and consultation, decided that it would be an appropriate step to shift the remaining matches to the UAE for which the dates and venues details will be announced in due course.

"The PCB today confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE. As such, the last eight fixtures, which were previously scheduled in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore will now be staged at the UAE," the PCB said in its press statement in the wee hours of Friday.

"Schedule of matches, outlining the dates and venues, will be shared in due course," it added.

Initially Karachi was also an option to shift the matches to but as it also faced a drone attack early Thursday so it was deemed appropriate to shift it to Dubai in order to ensure security of the players.

A drone also hit the Pindi Stadium on Thursday which was about to host four more matches and it was risky to continue with the event which was on the brink of entering into the playoffs stage as Quetta Gladiators had already qualified for the last four with a massive 109-run win over Islamabad United on Wednesday night at the Pindi Stadium.

“The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which 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 chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.

“As a responsible organization 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," he said.

"I regret that our domestic audience and cricket lovers will not be able to watch these matches in Pakistan's stadiums," he was quick to add.

“Like in the past, we hope that our stakeholders will rally with us to further the best interests of the tournament, our players and the fans. We are committed to ensuring that the league continues to thrive," said Naqvi, also interior minister.

Because of the escalating tension the game between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, which was scheduled at the Pindi Stadium, had already been postponed by Thursday evening.

Of the remaining eight matches, Pindi had to host four more including the qualifier while Lahore was set to host three more matches including the two eliminators and the May 18 final. Multan was supposed to host one more match.

The PSL has entered into an interesting stage. Barring Quetta Gladiators which have qualified for the playoffs, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi are set to fight for the remaining three top four slots.

Meanwhile various cricket boards including the boards of Bangladesh and West also showed concerns about the safety and security of their cricketers involved in the PSL.

The developing tension between India and Pakistan has also created doubts on the Bangladesh cricket team visit to Pakistan for the five-match T20 series which is scheduled to be held later this month. Two matches are scheduled in Faisalabad while three are in Lahore.

The PSL fixtures shifted to the UAE include the match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, the show between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars, the meeting between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings and the clash between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators. These will be followed by the qualifier, two eliminators and the final.