In a significant development for cricket fans, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declined India’s request to host the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 in Dubai.
The reason a prior commitment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the final phase of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.
According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reached out to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to relocate IPL 2025 fixtures to Dubai following the tournament’s suspension due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the ECB informed India that the Dubai venue had already been reserved by the PCB for PSL 10’s remaining matches, including the playoffs and final.
The PCB secured the venue on the night of May 8, and an official announcement followed shortly after. The decision leaves the IPL in uncertainty, with the BCCI now exploring a possible September window for the remainder of the matches although that may conflict with the Asia Cup 2025 schedule.
Meanwhile, the PCB officially confirmed that PSL 10’s remaining fixtures would be moved to the UAE due to evolving regional conditions. Only four league-stage matches and four playoff games remain in the tournament, setting up an intense final stretch.
In a related update, the 27th PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled in Rawalpindi, was rescheduled just before the toss due to safety concerns, with authorities prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders.
This diplomatic and sporting decision is being viewed as more than just a scheduling issue it’s also being interpreted as symbolic support. After China, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, the UAE has now demonstrated its alignment with Pakistan, not only diplomatically but also on the cricketing front.
