Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released whopping digital viewership figures for the concluded Pakistan Super League Season 10 (PSL X), highlighting the competition's explosive growth and increasing global digital presence.

In debrief sessions with franchises, the PCB unveiled that PSL X saw a huge 647.25% rise in consumption of live streaming over PSL 9. This staggering growth points towards a significant change in the consumption of cricket in Pakistan, with the audience quickly adopting digital platforms to remain connected with their teams and the action, regardless of where they are.

The total viewership on live streaming sites hit a staggering 48.5 billion cumulative minutes, which highlights the tournament's power to hold a large and diverse digitally inclined fan base. The largest surge occurred at the end of the business part of the competition, the final and playoffs, where live streaming originating from within Pakistan alone had 511 million views, an all-time record in the league's history.

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PSL X Represents a Digital Milestone for Cricket in Pakistan

These statistics do more than simply indicate fan passion; they represent a change. Pakistan's cricket fanbase is no longer glued to the television. Smartphones, fast internet, and streaming applications have unlocked new avenues of fan activity and provided the PCB new ways of expanding the PSL brand.

For PCB and PSL stakeholders, this digital boom could not have arrived at a more opportune moment. As negotiations for media rights and sponsorships loom ahead, these viewership numbers provide strong bargaining chips.

Above all, PSL X's record-breaking success demonstrates that Pakistan's largest sporting spectacle is now poised for the next level of international growth, enhanced fan engagement, and sustained year-round digital connect. With the dust settling on Season 10, certainly, PSL X didn't merely entertain; it redefined the Pakistani digital sports universe.

In a major development for global T20 cricket, reports indicate that the long-defunct Champions League T20 is on track to make a grand return. The Cricketer has reported that the tournament has plans to relaunch in 2026, under a new name—the World Club Championship. The revamped competition aims to bring together top-performing T20 teams from around the world in a new, exciting format.

The new tournament will have a similar structure to the original tournament, Champions League T20 with champions of premier domestic T20 leagues like the IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20 and The Hundred participating. While specific details such as the number of participating teams are still under discussion, reports suggest that the ECB is likely to propose that winners of The Hundred participate instead of those from the Vitality Blast. The initiative has already gained traction, receiving backing from both the BCCI and ECB, with ICC Chairman Jay Shah reportedly giving the green light.

"That is on the cards. Without a doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That's the next logical step," said ECB’s Richard Gould, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. The idea is to create a true global club championship that mirrors the prestige and competition level of football’s UEFA Champions League.

The Rise, Fall, and Revival of CLT20

The Champions League T20 tournament was launched in 2009 and was held annually until 2014. Although it was scheduled for its sixth tournament in 2015, the tournament was cancelled due to poor viewership and lack of a dedicated sponsor. It featured Tier 1 teams from four leagues, with IPL teams the most represented, often with three IPL teams qualifying. Notably, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians were the most successful franchises, each winning the tournament twice.

🚨 Champions League T20 set to be revived as World Club Championship from 2026 with teams from #IPL, 100 & #BBL participating (as per The Cricketer)

Another report says that Jay Shah's ICC has given its backing too (as per Cricxtasy)

Used to pray for such times😭 #CLT20 #GSLT20 pic.twitter.com/P5z5AmorNC

— t20 and nations (@t20andnations) July 1, 2025

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The revival comes at a time when T20 leagues have flourished globally, providing a perfect setting for a truly competitive club championship. With more leagues and higher global interest in franchise cricket, the World Club Championship could finally deliver on the promise of an international platform for domestic T20 champions—potentially becoming cricket’s version of the football Champions League.

ECB Looks at Bringing Back Global T20 Club Tournament

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is thinking about starting a new World Club Championship for T20 cricket. It’s been over ten years since the last Champions League T20 (CLT20) was held. The CLT20 ran from 2009 to 2014. Its final match was in Bengaluru in 2014, where Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders. The tournament stopped because not enough people were interested, and it didn’t make enough money.

Since then, many countries have started their own T20 leagues. England has The Hundred, South Africa has the SA20, the UAE has the ILT20, and the United States has the MLC. In other sports, too, club tournaments are growing. Football’s FIFA Club World Cup is getting a new format, and rugby is planning its own Club World Cup. ECB chief executive Richard Gould said they’re very interested in creating a tournament like the old CLT20.

🚨 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 🚨

- CLT20 is set to return as the World Club Championship in 2026. 🤯

- ECB and ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI are actively working on the idea. [𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠]

MASSIVE GOOD NEWS FOR CRICKET LOVERS..! 😍 pic.twitter.com/NSpEWVhI39

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) July 1, 2025

“That is on the cards,” Gould told ESPNcricinfo. “Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That’s the next logical step.” Gould also said the old CLT20 was a good idea but came too early. “That tournament was ahead of its time,” he said. “Commercially, it couldn’t keep up with expectations, but it was a really good event.”

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For this new World Club Championship to work, most of the IPL teams would need to support it. Many IPL owners already have teams in other countries. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has said that the BCCI might support the idea if it can bring real value to the game.

The 2026 edition of the PSL will once again face scheduling constraints when it holds its 11th edition in the same April-May timeframe, which again clashes with the Indian Premier League. The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled in that February-March window, and the Pakistan Cricket Board has no other option but to look for alternative windows for holding the tournament.

A December-January PSL proposal was debated, but now seems unrealistic owing to unfinished logistical and operational problems. The PCB can, however, stage the local Pentangular Cup during this time, with top cricketers to ensure competitive levels.

Another complication is the PCB's reorganization of the PSL as a standalone company, still in progress. Salman Naseer has been entrusted with the role of CEO, but other positions remain vacant, which is slowing down important decisions. Valuations of franchises are under uncertainty, as the fees have been hiked up by 25%. The future of Multan Sultans also remains uncertain, because owner Ali Tareen raised an eyebrow regarding the financial losses his franchise incurs over more than PKR 1 billion a year in fees.

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Franchise Uncertainty and Scheduling Clashes Cloud PSL 11 Planning

Expansion plans to increase the league from six to eight teams are also stuck, with franchises saying they have not been spoken to about new business models. In contrast, big commercial deals such as title sponsorship, broadcasting, live streaming, and ground rights are up for renewal. With 54 matches anticipated in an increased league structure, these contracts could see a rise in value by 30%.

Pakistan’s packed international calendar complicates matters further. In November 2025, they host Sri Lanka, followed by domestic competitions in December and January. Australia tours in February and March, and Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in late March and April. Zimbabwe’s scheduled visit in April-May will likely need rescheduling if the PSL takes place during that window.

Franchise fears of colliding with the IPL have eased, but broadcasters are still wary. All six franchises have asked for a PSL Governing Council meeting to discuss these matters, with an answer in the offing. To date, the ultimate decision regarding the schedule of PSL 11 is still pending among various moving parts.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) released its Team of the Tournament for the historic tenth edition, with some of the big guns cutting a thrilling month-and-a-half of cricket. Some of the most significant inclusions include Karachi Kings captain David Warner, while biggies Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have missed the cut to everyone's shock.

The 12-man team, chosen by members of the official commentary panel, is headed by Lahore Qalandars' Shaheen Shah Afridi, who topped a runaway season by leading his team to their third PSL crown in four years. The left-arm pacer was also the tournament-leading wicket-taker, taking 19 wickets in 13 games, and was handed over the Fazal Mahmood Cap. Afridi is joined by Qalandars teammates Fakhar Zaman, who scored 439 runs with four half-centuries, and all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who made key contributions with both bat (254 runs) and ball (10 wickets).

Balanced picks dominate as Babar, Rizwan miss out on PSL 10 XI

Islamabad United’s Sahibzada Farhan, the recipient of the Hanif Mohammad Cap as the tournament's top scorer with 449 runs, is the designated wicketkeeper of the squad. Karachi Kings are represented well with three players: Warner (368 runs), James Vince (378 runs with a century), and pacer Hasan Ali, who took 17 wickets in only 10 games. Khushdil Shah, who scored 253 runs and took seven wickets, was declared the 12th man.

ALSO SEE: Top 5 highest team totals in history of IPL

Quetta Gladiators also boast a trio of representatives. Promising opener Hasan Nawaz became the Best Batter of the Tournament with 399 runs, including one hundred and three half-centuries. He is accompanied by seasoned all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (163 runs and 17 wickets) and spinner Abrar Ahmed (17 wickets in 12 games). Emerging fast bowler Ali Raza of Peshawar Zalmi completes the XI, after a breakout season when he picked 12 wickets in nine matches.

Whereas the choices to a large extent mirror statistical showings, the exclusion of Babar Azam (288 runs) and Mohammad Rizwan (367 runs) has left fans and commentators scratching their heads. Yet, the commentary panel has seemingly placed greater value on match-winning performances and influence than on reputation.

PSL 10 Team of the Tournament

• Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)
• Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United) – Wicketkeeper
• David Warner (Karachi Kings)
• James Vince (Karachi Kings)
• Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators)
• Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars)
• Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators)
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – Captain
• Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings)
• Ali Raza (Peshawar Zalmi) – Emerging Player
• Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
• Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings) – 12th Man

The season of PSL 10, played over Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi between April 11 and May 25, ended with the defeat of Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the hands of Lahore Qalandars in a nail-biting final at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The Final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will take place on May 25, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore at 7:30 PM IST between Quetta Gladiators (QUE) and Lahore Qalandars (LAH). QUE will look for their second PSL Title and first since 2019, backed by a strong batting lineup and some very disciplined bowling. LAH comes into the final with two PSL titles in their last two tournaments, and they are halting their efforts for a third title with recent form and with the support of their local crowd driven by Fakhar Zaman's 309 runs in the postseason. The Gaddafi pitch has always traditionally favored batting, with the potential for a score like that turning up early with assistance to pacers in the early overs helping teams at the toss. It should be an entertaining finish to PSL 10 with playoff-worthy batting on both sides and a quality bowling showcase.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 19
• QUE Wins: 9
• LAH Wins: 9
• No Result: 1
• Win %: The rivalry is evenly poised, with both QUE and LAH securing 9 wins each in 19 matches, setting up an intense final showdown.

Key Matches: QUE vs LAH

PSL 2025, match 4 - April 13, Rawalpindi

• Lahore Qalandars: 219/6 in 20 overs.
• Quetta Gladiators: 140/10 in 16.2 overs.
• Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 79 runs.

LAH put up a huge 219, led by an innings of 67 from Fakhar Zaman off just 39 balls, and, unbeaten, Sam Billings scored a flurry of 50 off 19 balls. QUE's chase had a disastrous start at 9/3, before Shaheen Afridi (2/6) and Rishad Hossain (3/31) ran through their batting order. Faheem Ashraf's 21 was not enough, and Asif Afridi finished the game off.

PSL 2025, match 21 - May 1, Lahore 

• Lahore Qalandars: 111/3 in 11.3 overs.
• Quetta Gladiators: no result due to rain.
• Result: match abandoned.

LAH was off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 102 between Mohammad Naeem (50 off 30) and Abdullah Shafique (53* off 34) before a dust storm followed by heavy rain ended play after 11.3 overs. QUE captain Saud Shakeel's decision to field first backfired as LAH batsmen made the most of QUE's bowlers, but unfortunately, due to the poor drainage, this match has ended in no result. 

Also Read: WATCH: Shoaib Basheer clean bowled Tafadzwa Tsiga in ENG vs ZIM one off Test

PSL 2024, Match 28 - March 12, Karachi 

• Quetta Gladiators: 166/4 in 20 overs
• Lahore Qalandars: 162/7 in 20 overs
• Result: Quetta Gladiators Won by 4 Runs

QUE set a paragraph-worthy 166 with 52 on top from Saud Shakeel and 45 from Jason Roy. LAH got themselves into the game with Fakhar Zaman leading their chase with 54, but were left chasing with Mohammad Amir's final over, as he picked up 2/25, and congratulated Abrar Ahmed’s key wicket to Sikandar Raza (2/28).

PSL 2023, match 18 - March 2, Lahore

• Quetta Gladiators: 148/7 in 20 overs.
• Lahore Qalandars: 149/3 in 17.4 overs.
• Result: LQ won by 7 wickets. 

QUE only managed 148, with Jason Roy's 48 innings providing some stability, but LAH made light work of the chase, led by an unbeaten 68 off 43 from Abdullah Shafique. Haris Rauf's (3/22) bowling ensured QUE's total would be a comfortable chase for LAH. 

Lahore Qalandars have acquired Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the commercialized part of the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, following the withdrawal of Zimbabwean superstar Sikandar Raza because of national obligation. Miraz, 27, was formally given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday, paving the way for him to play for the Qalandars from May 22-25. It is his first appearance in an international franchise league and another new chapter in his expanding cricketing dossier.

"He signed up for the NOC this morning and got it in the afternoon," assured Shahriar Nafees, BCB's cricket operations manager. With Raza missing the rest of the tournament as Zimbabwe prepares for a historic Test series against England, Lahore Qalandars required an experienced all-round option. Miraz, who is known for his skilled off-spin as well as handy batting, was a strong contender to fill the gap.

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz added to Lahore Qalandars as playoff reinforcement for PSL 2025

Lahore, who secured a playoff position with a 26-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, will play the Eliminator in Lahore on May 22. Miraz is likely to add strength to their spin unit along with fellow Bangladeshi Shakib Al Hasan, who made his season debut against Zalmi. In 153 T20s, Miraz has picked 107 wickets at 7.55 economy and compiled 2,099 runs with seven half-centuries. He was also appointed ICC Men's Player of the Month for April, which reflects his current performance.

Interestingly, Miraz is not included in Bangladesh's T20I team presently playing against the UAE in Sharjah, which also made it convenient for BCB to grant the NOC. Some other Bangladeshi players, such as Litton Das, Rishad Hossain, and Nahid Rana, have also already played in this version of the PSL, though Rishad and Rana returned home prematurely because of safety issues after the tournament was suspended temporarily. Lahore Qalandars will be looking for Miraz to bring the balance they require in the dying embers, as they pursue their third straight PSL title.

Cricket, a game with a worldwide fan base, is enjoyed through a range of tournaments that enthrall audiences across formats. From the traditional Ashes to the contemporary T20 extravaganzas, these tournaments present the best of the sport. Here's a glimpse of the world's top 10 most popular cricket tournaments, ranked according to their stature, viewership, and cultural influence.

1. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (50-over): 

The ICC Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Since its inception in 1975, the tournament has become a global sporting spectacle, drawing massive audiences across the world. The 2023 edition further cemented its legendary status, with Australia emerging as champions. This edition attracted over a billion viewers, highlighting the tournament’s immense popularity and cultural impact. With intense competition, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments, the World Cup remains cricket’s most iconic and prestigious event on the international stage.

2. The Ashes (Test Series): 

The Ashes was a name given to the Test cricket series played between England and Australia, two of cricket's biggest rivals, with an illustrious and historical history dating back to 1882. The Ashes is a traditional series with fierce rivalries between England and Australia, with an interesting history. Test matches make for some of the best rivalries in sport, and The Ashes is full of twists and turns, tells tales of intense encounters, contains many memorable moments, and brings out passionate fans across the world. With a colourful history and high stakes, The Ashes series is loved by experts and fans, representing the highest level of Test cricket and the intense rivalry between two of cricket's greatest nations.

3. Indian Premier League (IPL): 

Since its start dates back in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has developed into a global T20 behemoth by combining the finest international players with
India's best. Famously nicknamed the league of 'T20 cricket with Bollywood,' the IPL is known for its fast-paced matches and thick crowd following, where it has included a significant portion of financial success in the world of sports. The 2025 season, which resumed play on May 17 after its brief pause, is not just pulling the biggest numbers in viewership but pulling millions of people on the ground and online to witness the grand showcase. The IPL is unique in the sense that it combines a mix of fun and top-tier cricket that cannot be replicated within the breadth of global cricketing sensations.

See Also: IPL 2025: Qualification Scenario for Gujarat Titans (GT)

4. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Test Series):

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which takes place every two years between India and Australia, is one of the fiercest rivalries in Test cricket. This name connects to legends Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border, and has created a strong fan following due to the fierce competition, outstanding cricket, and contributions to the World Test Championship standings. This series has had its share of outstanding Test matches and notable moments, and draws large audiences and prestige. It demonstrates the strength, passion, and resilience of two of the strongest teams in world cricket.

5. ICC Men's T20 World Cup:

First held in 2007, this biennial cricket event has rapidly grown into a global spectacle. Known for its fast-paced, thrilling matches, it appeals especially to younger audiences who enjoy the excitement of the shorter format. The 2024 edition, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, saw record-breaking attendance and massive viewership, cementing its place as one of cricket’s most popular tournaments. With each passing edition, it continues to gain momentum, showcasing explosive talent and high-stakes drama that captivates fans across the world.

6. ICC Women's Cricket World Cup:

Held every four years, the Women’s 50-over World Cup has steadily grown in stature, showcasing the finest talent in women’s cricket. Featuring top international players, the tournament has become a major event on the global sporting calendar. The 2022 edition in New Zealand highlighted the rising popularity and competitiveness of women’s cricket, drawing significant viewership and media attention. As more nations invest in developing their women’s teams, the tournament continues to deliver thrilling contests and inspiring performances, further elevating the profile of women’s cricket on the world stage.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar's emotional urge to BCCI after tragic Pahalgam attack

7. Pakistan Super League (PSL):

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become one of the premier T20 cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2016. The 2025 season, which began on February 16 and concluded on May 25, has entertained fans with stars like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan. With high domestic and international viewership, the PSL has helped rejuvenate interest in cricket in Pakistan, while also highlighting emerging local talent. The league has seen intense competition, high production value, and a loyal following in both Pakistan and abroad.

8. Big Bash League (BBL):

Since its launch in 2011, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) has rapidly grown into a major T20 domestic competition. Known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, the BBL offers an exciting platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills on a big stage. The league’s high-energy matches and family-friendly environment attract large crowds and TV audiences every season. By blending top-notch cricket with entertainment, the BBL has become a beloved event in Australia’s sporting calendar, helping to develop future stars while providing thrilling action for fans across the country.

9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL):

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was created in 2013, bringing T20 excitement to the Caribbean. T20 matches enjoyed by star players such as Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell brought international praise and attention quickly to the CPL for the excitement of the matches and the vibrancy of the island and its culture. With the CPL, high-quality cricket is joined with the colourful and vibrant Caribbean people and culture. The region is passionate about cricket, its clubs, and their celebrations are unmatched inside and outside on the streets of their homeland. Additionally, the CPL contains eventful displays of cricket that involve local funding resources and cricketers inside entertaining and vibrant matches, plus the unique experiences of Caribbean islands as a part of the game which nobody else can. The CPL has transitioned to becoming one of the main events on cricket's annual calendar of cricket, celebrates the best local talents, while providing entertaining cricket that represents the soul of the iCaribbean islands.

10. Asia Cup: 

Every two years since 1984, the Asia Cup, a regional giant dominated by India and Pakistan, has been a biennial ODI and T20 competition. The 2025 version promises to be a highlight. This series, covering Test, ODI, and T20 formats, speaks volumes about cricket's expansive popularity and its power to engage one billion-plus people across the globe.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is treading on thin ice while considering the risk of their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, which commences on May 21, 2025. The tour includes five T20 matches in Faisalabad and Lahore under a cloud, given rising tensions between India and Pakistan that have already led to cancellations of the IPL and PSL. With the world of cricket on tenterhooks, the BCB is in continuous discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to gauge the situation, leaving fans such as myself pondering if the tour is set to go through.

Safety of players is at the forefront of the BCB's minds, and they're not leaving anything to chance. In a recent statement, the board made it clear: “Every decision about this tour will be made after fully assessing the situation in Pakistan. We will do what is best for our team and for Bangladesh cricket.” The geopolitical instability, accentuated by India's Operation Sindoor and a recent drone attack close to Rawalpindi, has placed global cricket in the region on unstable footing, and the BCB is not inclined to jeopardize their team's health in an unstable environment.

Before heading to Pakistan, Bangladesh is gearing up for a brief stop in the UAE, where they’ll face the United Arab Emirates in two T20Is on May 17 and 19 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This series is a crucial part of their preparation for the Pakistan tour—if it happens. With an international-packed calendar on their schedule, culminating in the impending 2026 T20 World Cup, the BCB has its priority in getting players match-fit, prioritizing safety second.

PSL Fallout and Bangladesh's Next Steps

The suspension of PSL 2025 has already impacted Bangladesh players, with Rishad Hossain of Lahore Qalandars and Nishad Rana of Peshawar Zalmi returning to Dhaka after the league was halted on May 9. Both players, who are both key components of the Bangladesh T20 setup, are going to arrive with the national team for their tour of UAE on Wednesday and will now shift their attention to international affairs.

BCB involved in "active discussions" with PCB on upcoming Pakistan tour#BCB #PCBhttps://t.co/RO7wzwE4s1

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 11, 2025

Also Read: Will PSL 2025 restart? Foreign players refuse to return; no one wants to play in Pakistan

The BCB is obviously prioritizing the safety of their players and getting them set for their series in the UAE and possible tour of Pakistan. With tensions boiling over, the cricketing fraternity waits to see if Bangladesh will turn out in Pakistan—or if this tour is another victim of geopolitical tensions.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 has been shaken into chaos following the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, compelling the delay in matches and causing players to live in fear. A PSL celebrity exposed the level of fear, citing New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell, who was said to have said that he would "never go to Pakistan again" after the traumatizing experience. The situation worsened when there was a drone attack close to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, causing a game between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings to be canceled. The attack caused overseas players to run away to Dubai for safety as the security situation went from bad to worse.

There was an atmosphere of fear among theplayers,s with some international stars such as Sam Billings, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran showing their discomfort. One of the players, Rishad, in Dubai airport, described how terrified the team felt in the uncertainty, underlining the psychological cost to the cricketers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was initially against calling off the tournament, butthe deterioratingg geopolitical situation, with the added provocation of India's military response after a terror attack in Pahalgam, left them with no option. The PCB has since shifted the remaining PSL fixtures to theUAE  in an attempt to save the season.

The broader cricketing landscape has also been affected, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 suspending its matches for a week amid security concerns in India. This broader disruption shines a spotlight on the dilemmas of organizing major sporting events in an area with political tensions. The high levels of fear articulated by Mitchell and others raise major issues concerning the viability of international cricket in Pakistan - a country that has worked so very hard to re-establish itself as a viable place to host major global tournaments since before the attacks in 2009.

A Climate of Uncertainty for Cricket

The PSLL 2025 delay is a great setback to Pakistan's cricketing aspirations and brings under question its future suitability to host international competitions. The drone attack, termed "extremely irresponsible" by PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi, hasfurtheredd the insecurity among officials and players. Moving to Dubai might guarantee the end of the tournament but reflects the continuing challenges in restoring global confidenceinr Pakistan.

"All Of Them Were So Frightened, Daryl Mitchell Said He Would Never Go To Pakistan Again": PSL Star#PSL2025 https://t.co/dZUFJlSOqB

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 10, 2025

Also Read: PSL 2025 Setback: ECB turns down PCB request after Indian cricket’s silent push

At the same time, the suspension of the IPL is an indication of how geopolitical tensions within the subcontinent have the potential to upset even the largest of leagues. The PCB and BCCI alike now have the unenviable task of ensuring that players are safe while also appeasing fans and sponsors. The risk that players like Mitchell have mentioned is a wake-up call to the precarious interplay between politics and sport, and it is anything but certain how cricket in the region will unfold.