The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed it will reschedule several remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, following escalating tensions between Pakistan and India that have disrupted the tournament’s tenth season.
The decision came after a security incident involving a drone crash within the Rawalpindi Stadium complex, where Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi were set to play on Thursday. That match has now been postponed. However, persistent rain in Rawalpindi throughout the day likely would have delayed play regardless.
According to Pakistani authorities, the drone was one of several from India, amid a series of cross-border hostilities. India claims its drone strikes were in response to alleged Pakistani attempts to target military locations overnight on Wednesday, which itself followed Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory on Tuesday. Those strikes were reportedly retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in April.
“The PCB is reviewing the situation and will be rescheduling some of the PSL matches,” the board said in a statement. “Further updates will be provided as matters are finalised.”
It remains unclear whether affected matches will be shifted to different cities or have their dates changed. Karachi, which has hosted games earlier this season, is being considered, though it too was reportedly impacted by the drone activity. Dubai has emerged as a possible alternative venue, with several foreign players favoring the move due to safety concerns.
There are eight matches left in PSL 2025: four scheduled in Rawalpindi, one in Multan, and three in Lahore, where the final is currently set to be held. Lahore was also among the cities affected by drone activity.
Tensions have made some overseas players uneasy. While the PCB initially confirmed on Wednesday that the tournament would proceed, reports suggest mixed reactions within the English player group, with some contemplating leaving and others willing to stay. The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) remains in close contact with the 15 English players in the league, monitoring the security situation closely.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also issued a statement, noting that it is in “constant communication” with its two players currently participating in the PSL — Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain.
“The Board is working closely with both the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission to make certain that the cricketers feel safe and secure during their stay in Pakistan,” the BCB said. “The BCB is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure arrangements are in place for their timely and secure departure, if needed.”
Cricket West Indies (CWI) echoed similar sentiments, stating that it remains in contact with its players in both the PSL and IPL. The board has been working with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) to ensure player safety.
“The welfare of our people remains our highest priority,” CWI said. “We continue to receive regular updates through diplomatic, governmental, and cricketing channels, and are ready to offer assistance where necessary. We remain committed to supporting our players during this sensitive period.”
The situation remains fluid, with the PCB expected to announce further details on the rescheduled fixtures soon.
