PSL 2025: UAE Likely to Reject PCB's Plan to Host Matches in Dubai

​The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced plans to relocate the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This decision followed a drone incident near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, raising significant safety concerns for players and officials. ​ However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly hesitant to approve this relocation. Sources indicate that the ECB is wary of the potential implications of hosting the PSL amid the current geopolitical climate, particularly considering its strong cricketing ties with India and the diverse South Asian community within the UAE. ​ The PCB has emphasized the urgency of ensuring player safety and has expressed disappointment over the potential loss of hosting opportunities. As of now, the final decision from the ECB is pending, leaving the fate of the remaining PSL matches uncertain. ​The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly leaning towards rejecting the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) request to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development arises amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have raised significant security and diplomatic concerns.​ A source close to the ECB indicated that the board is "unlikely to approve" the hosting of the PSL matches in the UAE, citing security concerns stemming from the rising tension between India and Pakistan. The source emphasized that "hosting a tournament like the PSL in the midst of such tense circumstances could vitiate harmony, pose security risks, and stir unnecessary friction between communities," particularly given the UAE's diverse South Asian population .​ Additionally, the ECB is reportedly cautious about being perceived as aligning too closely with the PCB, which could potentially strain its strong relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The ECB has previously hosted significant events for India, including the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, multiple editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 .​ While the PCB had announced plans to relocate the remaining PSL matches to the UAE, the ECB's hesitance introduces uncertainty into these plans. As of now, no official confirmation has been made by the ECB regarding the approval or rejection of the PCB's request.