PSL X, IPL postponed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of HBL Pakistan Super League X (PSL X) in light of the rapidly escalating Pakistan-India tensions.

“The decision to postpone the PSL has been taken after careful consideration and on the urgent counsel of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has placed the sanctity of our national interest above all else. At a time when the brave Pakistan’s armed forces are making immense sacrifices to defend our homeland, it is only just that the attention of every Pakistani aligns with the defence of our sovereignty.”

“Cricket is a binding force, a source of joy and pride for millions, but there are moments when even this cherished institution must stand still in solemn respect. This is such a moment,” a government handout says. The PCB, its franchises, players, and staff stand shoulder to shoulder with the courageous martyrs and heroes of the armed forces. “We honour their sacrifices and extend our heartfelt prayers and solidarity to their families.” The PCB expressed deep gratitude to PSL partners, franchise owners, international and local players, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans who have made this season of the HBL PSL a remarkable celebration of sportsmanship.

A new schedule for the remaining fixtures will be announced in due course, once the situation stabilizes and normalcy begins to return.

Meanwhile, all foreign players and support staff affiliated with various Pakistan Super League (PSL) X franchises were scheduled to depart for Dubai in the early hours of Saturday.

The decision to postpone PSL X comes in the wake of a deeply unsettling incident on Thursday morning when an Israel-manufactured drone struck just outside Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The incident sent shockwaves through the PSL ecosystem, prompting the immediate cancellation of the evening match and igniting a flurry of emergency meetings within the PCB.

Meanwhile, India’s cricket board has suspended the money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) put off the 2025 IPL “with immediate effect for one week” in the wake of ongoing situation with Pakistan, according to a statement by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday.

The decision was made following consultations involving the IPL Governing Council, franchise representatives, broadcasters, sponsors, and security advisers. “The Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders,” Saikia said.

Franchises began disbanding shortly after the announcement, with players and staff booking early departures. A revised schedule will be shared after further assessment in coordination with the authorities, according to the statement. All participants agreed that continuing the tournament under current conditions was not viable.