By our correspondent
LAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 is facing potential changes in its hosting venues due to ongoing diplomatic tensions in the region, which have raised concerns about the safety and logistics of holding the remaining matches in Pakistan. As a result, Dubai and Doha are being considered as alternative locations for the conclusion of the tournament. This potential move comes as a response to the escalating uncertainty over hosting fixtures in cities such as Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, which were originally scheduled as venues for the remainder of the tournament.
Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, which is currently hosting the Women’s T20 Cup, is also being explored as a domestic interim solution to accommodate the remaining matches of PSL 10. However, no final decision has been made, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is continuing discussions with franchise owners and other stakeholders to finalize the arrangements.
Sources have revealed that multiple scheduling scenarios are being considered for the four remaining matches that were initially planned for Rawalpindi. A crucial meeting is set to take place between the Ministry of Interior and PCB officials to assess the evolving security situation and determine the best course of action. This meeting will play a pivotal role in deciding whether the PSL matches will proceed as scheduled or be postponed.
The ongoing security concerns, including the closure of airspace and rising regional tensions, have complicated the logistics of hosting the matches. It is expected that these factors may lead to further delays or potential cancellations. In light of these developments, there is an increasing possibility that PSL matches may be postponed, depending on the outcomes of the meeting and any further developments in the region.
With just four knockout matches and four playoff games remaining, the tension surrounding the tournament’s conclusion has reached a boiling point. In the meantime, a PSL match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, originally scheduled for Thursday in Rawalpindi, has been postponed due to security concerns. The postponement was decided following discussions between PCB officials, franchise owners, and players, who evaluated the risks posed by the evolving security situation.
As the situation continues to develop, the PCB is seriously considering relocating all remaining PSL 10 matches to Karachi in order to ensure player safety and minimize logistical challenges. Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified, following the crash of a drone near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was swiftly sealed off by security forces. Preliminary reports suggest that the drone may have been used for surveillance.
In the ongoing tournament, Quetta Gladiators have become the first team to qualify for the playoffs, leading the points table with six wins, two defeats, and one no-result from nine matches. Karachi Kings are in second place with 10 points from eight games, while defending champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars are in third and fourth places, respectively, both with 10 points. Peshawar Zalmi sit fifth with eight points, while Multan Sultans, with only one win and eight losses, have been eliminated from playoff contention.
