Cricket tournament in Pakistan shifted to United Arab Emirates due to India dispute
In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan Super League matches are now being played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), not Pakistan. The shift came after a series of tense exchanges between India and Pakistan, with the biggest concern being the presence of Indian drones near Pakistan's cities.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that 28 Indian drones, including one close to a city's stadium, were neutralized. He alleged this was a deliberate attempt to target domestic and foreign cricket players[3]. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the change in location, stating that the remaining matches would be relocated to ensure the safety of all players[2].
The decision was the culmination of several meetings between the franchise and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country's interior minister. Naqvi stressed that the PCB has always advocated for the separation of politics and sports, but the dangerous Indian act of targeting the stadium forced the decision[4].
Previously, Pakistan had experienced a hiatus in international cricket after the 2009 terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. However, the resumption of international cricket in 2020 marked a significant milestone[5].
Despite the switch to the UAE, sources close to the Action Francaise Press (AFP) reported that foreign players were hesitant to stay in Pakistan following the escalating tensions between the two nuclear powers[1]. Tensions rose when India sent air strikes into Pakistan, just two weeks after New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing an attack on the Indian-controlled side of Kashmir, a claim Pakistan vehemently denied[6]. Both sides have since exchanged heavy artillery fire and accusations of drone attacks[6].
Initially, the Emirates Cricket Board welcomed the opportunity to host the PSL. However, recent developments have led to the indefinite postponement of the 2025 edition, according to a PCB source[1]. The PSL features 37 foreign players representing countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan[2]. Notably, several Australian and New Zealand players involved in this season's PSL, including Australia's David Warner, had traveled to Pakistan with their respective national teams in the past[5].
- The disputed drone incidents near Pakistan's cities have led to sports events, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), being played in nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), instead of India or Pakistan.
- The Pakistani government, led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has strongly denounced India for allegedly targeting stadiums with drones, which could have put international cricketers at risk.
- Although the Indian-controlled side of Kashmir and Pakistan have been engaged in a disruptive conflict, some Indian cricketers have demonstrated a willingness to participate in sports events in Pakistan, which shows a potential for bilateral sports diplomacy.
- As a result of the unstable international climate between India and Pakistan, some countries have expressed concerns about their players' safety, with foreign cricketers hesitant to stay in Pakistan, even for high-profile events like the PSL.
- The 2025 edition of the PSL, initially scheduled to be held in the UAE, has been indefinitely postponed due to recent political developments and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
