The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a tournament that has become synonymous with Pakistan’s sporting identity, was progressing smoothly and had nearly reached the playoff stage. However, due to rising cross-border tensions and India’s recent aggressive posturing, including a drone incident that targeted the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the crucial decision to shift the remainder of the tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the interest of player safety and overall tournament integrity.

The PCB has officially confirmed that the final eight matches of PSL-10, which were initially scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, will now be hosted in the UAE. The revised schedule, including match dates and venues, is expected to be released in the coming days. While the decision has sparked disappointment among local fans eager to witness the conclusion of the tournament on home soil, it has been widely supported for prioritizing the well-being of all players, especially the international stars who have been integral to the league’s global appeal.

PCB Chairman and current Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media regarding the relocation. “The PCB has always maintained that politics and sports must remain separate. However, the extremely irresponsible and dangerous act by India - targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium - was clearly an attempt to disrupt the ongoing HBL PSL-10. Therefore, we had no choice but to shift the remaining matches to the UAE to ensure the safety of both our domestic and foreign players, who are our honored guests,” he said.

Naqvi emphasized the board’s commitment to ensuring a safe and professional environment for all involved in the tournament. “As a responsible organization that has repeatedly overcome adversity to promote cricket, it was our duty to safeguard the mental well-being and security of everyone involved. We are confident that, like in the past, our stakeholders will support us in furthering the best interests of the league, our players, and the fans. We remain committed to ensuring the continued success and vibrancy of the PSL,” he added.

Prior to the announcement of the venue change, the PSL-10 points table painted a competitive picture. Quetta Gladiators were sitting comfortably at the top with 13 points from 9 matches. Karachi Kings followed in second place with 10 points from 8 matches, while Islamabad United held the third spot with the same number of points but from 9 outings. Lahore Qalandars were placed fourth with 9 points from 9 matches, maintaining a slender edge in the playoff race. Peshawar Zalmi, with 8 points from 9 games, remained in contention. Multan Sultans, however, were eliminated from playoff consideration, having managed only 2 points from 9 fixtures.

Despite the rising tensions and clashes at the Pakistan-India border, which intensified on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, the PSL continued in Rawalpindi with full determination. That day, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted what would become the final PSL-10 match on Pakistani soil - a high-voltage encounter between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the league but also served as a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of geopolitical adversity.

In that game, Hasan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw delivered sensational performances, each smashing a century to guide Quetta Gladiators to a commanding 109-run victory. Batting first, the Gladiators posted a record-shattering total of 263 for 3 - the highest in PSL history. Rossouw, known for his aggressive stroke play, went into beast mode from the very start, while Nawaz complemented him with relentless aggression and composure, even after the loss of his partner. The carnage left Islamabad United’s bowling attack looking toothless and disoriented, exposing their lack of depth and discipline in a crucial encounter.

Islamabad United, who began the season with five consecutive wins, have since faced a steep decline. Injuries and squad rotation - highlighted by Salman Ali Agha - forced the team into a series of experimental combinations. As a result, they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, significantly denting their momentum heading into the business end of the tournament.

Chasing an improbable 264, United crumbled early under the pressure. By the end of the ninth over, they were reduced to a shocking 68 for 8. Veteran pacer Mohammad Amir’s return to the Quetta lineup added venom to their attack, while mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed continued his wizardry, picking up 2 for 17 and wrapping up the tail with ease. His scalps of Haider Ali and Jason Holder sealed Islamabad’s fate and ensured a morale-boosting win for the Gladiators as the tournament transitioned to a new venue.

With the PSL now past its halfway mark, the 2025 edition has already proven to be another shining chapter in the league’s remarkable history. More than just a cricket tournament, the PSL has evolved into a national spectacle that brings together passion, patriotism, and world-class sporting entertainment. Since its inception in 2016, the PSL has not only revived international cricket in Pakistan but has also become a vital platform for emerging players to showcase their talent on a global stage.

The 2025 season has also marked the league’s 300th match - an extraordinary milestone reflecting its consistency, growth, and sustainability. Over the past decade, the PSL has transformed from a five-franchise tournament into a thriving six-team league, with plans to expand further. In 2026, the PSL will embrace a new era with the addition of two more franchises, taking the total to eight. This expansion promises increased outreach, broader talent scouting, and heightened competition, further cementing its place among the elite T20 leagues of the world.

From its modest beginnings - with Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators as the original participants - the league welcomed Multan Sultans in 2018. Since then, the PSL has continually raised the bar with improved infrastructure, greater international engagement, and unforgettable cricketing moments.

Looking ahead, PSL is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of Pakistan’s indomitable spirit. It showcases the nation’s love for cricket and its remarkable ability to rise above adversity. From nail-biting finishes to world-class performances under the lights of iconic stadiums, the PSL journey has become a symbol of national pride and unity.

It is also important to recognize the contributions of all PCB chairmen since 2014 - Zaka Ashraf, Najam Sethi, Ehsan Mani, Ramiz Raja, and Mohsin Naqvi - who have played pivotal roles in shaping the PSL as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing revival. Their efforts have ensured that the league not only entertains millions but also becomes a vehicle for positive change, economic activity, and international recognition.

As PSL-10 prepares to conclude in the UAE, its legacy in Pakistan continues to shine bright. The relocation may have moved the action away from home, but the spirit of the league, and the resilience of Pakistani cricket, remain firmly rooted in the hearts of its people. The journey of PSL-10, despite this unexpected twist, stands as a proof of Pakistan’s undying love for the game and its commitment to keeping the cricketing flame alive - no matter the odds.

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