The ongoing border tensions between Pakistan and India have impacted the franchise cricket leagues of both countries. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the other hand, due to security concerns, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for a week.
With rising tensions between the two arch-rivals creating safety concerns, India wanted to host the remaining IPL matches in the UAE. However, since Pakistan had already completed its discussions with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), India was turned down, according to a report by Pakistan’s Geo Super.
Citing sources, the report mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contacted the ECB to request the hosting of the remaining IPL matches in the UAE. But since the PCB had already booked Dubai venues for the rest of the PSL matches, and the ECB had made a commitment to the PCB, they refused to go back on that promise.
There are 8 matches remaining in this year’s PSL, while 15 matches are left in the IPL. Due to the fewer number of matches, the PSL is expected to finish before the IPL. Like the PCB, the BCCI also considered the UAE as an alternative venue for the remaining IPL matches. However, the ECB made it clear to the BCCI that the PCB had already secured the bookings.
Geo Super further reported that after being refused by the ECB, the BCCI considered organizing the remainder of the IPL in September. However, the Asia Cup is scheduled during that period, which could cause a clash in fixtures. Moreover, India is set to host the upcoming Asia Cup, making it extremely difficult to manage both tournaments simultaneously.
