LAHORE, May 13, 2025 — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Tuesday that the remaining eight matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will resume on May 17, with the final scheduled for May 25.
The tournament was abruptly postponed after an Indian drone crash near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium last week amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. The league, initially relocated to the UAE, was halted due to security concerns.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi confirmed that the league will continue from where it paused. “Let the aura take over as we unite and celebrate the spirit of cricket,” he wrote, emphasizing the league’s return as a moment of national unity and celebration.
According to sources, the six PSL franchises have started contacting their foreign players, who had been evacuated via charter flights over the weekend as cross-border hostilities intensified. With a ceasefire agreement now in place, franchises are aiming to bring players back for the remaining matches.
“The franchises are in talks with their overseas players regarding their availability from May 17 to 25, with Rawalpindi being proposed as the sole venue for the rest of the tournament,” insiders told PakCorrespondent.com on Monday.
The PCB is expected to finalize the revised schedule once foreign player availability is confirmed and official approval is received from Chairman Naqvi.
Given the absence of international cricket during this period, the PCB remains optimistic that the foreign contingent will return to complete the league.
However, reports suggest Australian players may be hesitant to rejoin, citing security concerns. Many Australians, including those in the Indian Premier League (IPL), had returned home after the IPL was also suspended due to the regional conflict.
Notably, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who currently coaches IPL side Punjab Kings, reportedly stepped off a home-bound flight following news of the ceasefire, signaling potential willingness among some to stay in the region.
The PSL’s resumption marks a crucial step toward restoring normalcy in regional cricket after recent disruptions.
