As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan along the border, the chill has extended into the world of cricket. The Pakistan Super League (PSL), the country’s premier T20 franchise tournament, has been postponed indefinitely after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) declined Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to relocate the remaining matches to the UAE.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the ECB’s decision came following a subtle nudge from senior Indian cricket officials, including ICC chairman Jay Shah. The report highlighted the strong ties between the BCCI and the ECB, dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic when the UAE hosted one and a half IPL seasons. “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai,” an ECB official reportedly told Cricbuzz.
In contrast to the PCB, the BCCI retains the financial muscle to host the IPL within or outside India. However, even the IPL has not been immune to current tensions, with the latest season suspended for a week.
With four league games and four playoff matches remaining, the future of the PSL hangs in limbo.
Meanwhile, BCCI is reportedly planning to resume the IPL from May 16 and extend the tournament until May 30. According to the IE report, three venues are being contemplated for the remaining matches, namely Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The report also cited BCCI sources confirming that a revised IPL schedule will be shared with the franchises by Sunday night. To accommodate the remaining 12 matches, including the playoffs, the IPL final, which was initially set for May 25, is now likely to be held on May 30.