- May 9, 2025
Here we go again—PSL packs its bags for the UAE, not for COVID, not for curfews, and definitely not for sandstorms. This time, it’s diplomatic dust—rising tensions with India pushing cricket’s final act across borders.
And while this is a disappointing development for Pakistani fans, it is certainly amplified by the fact that the PSL was supposed to have an outstanding conclusion in front of a sold-out crowd. As we all know, the fans of T20 have a lot of feelings about what is going on, so let’s understand what this means for the league, the players, and Pakistan cricket.
A Familiar Move, But Under Unfamiliar Circumstances
If there is one country that can pull together a PSL match in quick time, it is the UAE. Called into action in 2016, the league has consistently returned whenever playing within Pakistan becomes untenable due to circumstances in the country. Now, though, it is not the concerns of logistics and pandemics but geopolitical circumstances. After a drone, apparently from India, landed right in Rawalpindi Stadium, the back and forth over accusations and safety came to the fore. The PCB was quick to move and was holding emergency meetings with players, and the majority of overseas players, unsurprisingly, voted with their feet.
Player Safety vs National Pride
The PSL’s different path this year raises a complicated discussion about how we reconcile our pride in our country while keeping our players and fans safe. Pakistan has worked hard over the last couple of years to try and ensure international cricket returns to Pakistan, using Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi with full stadiums in international matches, and high-quality cricket experiences. Every year the PSL is played in Pakistan is another distancing from the narrative of it being unsafe to play cricket in Pakistan.
What This Means for the PSL
The Pakistan Super League’s move back to the UAE is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that the UAE knows how to put on cricket. It has good venues, good security, and it is easy for fans to view the games from their locales due to the time zones. The show will go on, just without as many biryanis in the stands. However, the burden that comes with this is that travelling plays into the league’s long-term vision. One of the main reasons for bringing the PSL back to Pakistan was to demonstrate developing stability in the country, while demonstrating the depth of passion for the game that the country has.
There is nothing new with the PSL travelling back to the UAE, however, the rationale this time is unfortunate to say the least. This is a reminder of how cricket, especially in South Asia, is not immune to political pressures and perceptions, and real security concerns. Let us hope now that the tournament finishes without incident, the players remain safe, and Pakistan cricket returns from this with its head high, as it always does.
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