Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) landmark tenth edition is set to resume on May 17, following a week-long suspension prompted by deadly cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and India. The final will be played on May 25, marking a spirited return of cricket after national tragedy.
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, announced the resumption on Tuesday, confirming that the remaining eight matches, including the playoffs and final, will be held on home soil under tight security arrangements.
“PSL X picks up from where it left off! Six teams, zero fear. Let the aura take over as we unite and celebrate the spirit of cricket,” Naqvi said in a message posted on social media, signalling a return to hope and celebration.
Suspension Triggered by Cross-Border Escalation
The PSL was suspended on May 8, just hours before the scheduled 27th match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi, after a wave of Indian strikes killed 51 Pakistanis, including 40 civilians and 11 personnel of the armed forces.
The decision to halt the tournament came amid heightened security concerns, particularly after an Indian drone reportedly crashed near the stadium that same morning. The PCB had briefly explored the option of shifting the remaining matches to Dubai, but the idea was shelved in light of government advisories and logistical constraints.
Cricket Returns, Nation Rejoices
The PSL’s revival was made possible following a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, which helped de-escalate tensions and restore stability. With security agencies now confident of ensuring safe conduct, the PCB has moved quickly to restart the league.
All six franchises will return to action in what promises to be a high-octane conclusion to a tournament that has weathered unprecedented disruption.
The resumption has sparked a wave of public enthusiasm, with fans celebrating the return of cricket as a symbol of national resilience. Preparations are in full swing across venues, with authorities assuring tight security and seamless coordination.
The upcoming matches are now expected to carry a deeper emotional weight—serving not only as a sporting spectacle but also as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the recent conflict. As the PSL resumes, it becomes more than just a game—it becomes a testament to the country’s unity, strength, and unyielding spirit.
