PCB faces a closed door with UAE set to decline hosting PSL

Seems like Pakistan is in line to endure another round of embarrassment. Amid cross-border tensions, both India and Pakistan sought ways to reschedule their respective T20 leagues. While the BCCI opted to suspend IPL 2025 in the best interest of all the stakeholders involved, PCB, with an inflated ego, chose to move ahead with the PSL. As India threatened to retaliate against Pakistan's cowardly attack on civilians in the border regions, the Pakistan Cricket Board approached the UAE. After tensions flared up significantly between India and Pakistan on May 8, it was informed that the PSL would be moving to the UAE. However, in the latest update, the shocking news of the UAE declining PCB's request has emerged.

ECB opts against being perceived as an ally of Pakistan by hosting PSL

Known for its nature to harbor terrorists and provide a breeding ground for them, Pakistan has attracted considerable wrath from India this time. In an unfortunate event in April, 27 Indian civilians were brutally murdered in Pahalgam, a tourist site in Kashmir, India. The government and the Indian armed forces reacted swiftly, as nine terrorist camps in Pakistan were destroyed by India in 'Operation Sindoor'. However, Pakistan found it appropriate to counter the operation, which targeted only terrorists, by attacking civilians in the bordering states of India. With the neighbor in no mood to tolerate the erratic behavior by Pakistan yet again, a war-like standoff has shaped up in the states.

As the retaliation escalated significantly, the T20 leagues on both sides of the border, IPL 2025 and PSL respectively, have modified their schedules. As Indian armed forces fight against the notoriety, BCCI has pledged full support and suspended IPL 2025 for a week. Moreover, the move emerged as a thoroughly planned one in the best interest of players and broadcasters. Meanwhile, Pakistan tried to move PSL to the UAE, out of the country. As foreign players look for a way to leave the regions as soon as possible, PCB remains bent on continuing PSL one way or another.

However, it seems like PSL would not be able to continue despite PCB trying with all its might. The UAE is set to decline Pakistan's requests to host the remainder of the tournament. A new report talks about the inhibitions of the Emirates Cricket Board to be perceived as an ally of Pakistan in this situation. The ECB boasts strong relations with the BCCI and stands in no mood to curtail the bond by hosting PSL as India and Pakistan remain at loggerheads.

"Security concerns potentially emanating from the rising tension between India and Pakistan has made ECB wary of being perceived as an ally of PCB," the source said. "The Emirates Cricket Board has enjoyed a strong relationship with BCCI in recent years having hosted the 'India' edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, editions of the IPL as well as India matches during ICC Champions Trophy 2025," the source further stated.