Rawalpindi, May 17, 2025: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) resumes today after an eight-day suspension prompted by the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. The high-stakes T20 tournament will now proceed with a revised schedule, featuring the remaining league matches in Rawalpindi and the playoffs in Lahore.
Initially halted on May 9, the PSL faced uncertainty when organizers considered relocating the tournament to Dubai due to security concerns. However, reluctance from foreign players to travel led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to temporarily suspend the competition. Over 40 overseas cricketers were flown out of the country following the escalation of regional tensions.
With the situation stabilizing, the PCB announced last weekend that the tournament would resume. Rawalpindi will host the final four league matches from May 17 to 19, followed by the playoffs in Lahore, culminating in the final at Gaddafi Stadium on May 25.
Several foreign players have returned to Pakistan, reinforcing their teams ahead of the decisive stages. Among them is Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who rejoined Lahore Qalandars for their crucial final league game against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday. However, Raza will depart for England afterward to fulfill Test commitments, making him unavailable for potential playoff fixtures.
“I was very clear in my head that I was always going to go back,” Raza told the Associated Press during a training session at Islamabad Club. “This PSL is not just about winning a trophy — it’s about unity. Credit must go to all the overseas players who returned. Sport has the power to unite cultures and countries.”
Lahore’s overseas contingent has also been bolstered by Sri Lankan batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, following injury withdrawals of Tom Curran and Daryl Mitchell.
Team Director Sameen Rana emphasized the importance of completing the tournament: “The conditions were not ideal, but the resumption of the PSL sends a positive message. Finishing the season is what truly matters.”
Defending champions Islamabad United have recalled Alex Hales (England) and Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa), both of whom were earlier selected in the supplementary draft. Australian pacer Ben Dwarshuis has also rejoined the team. Islamabad had a strong start with five straight wins but slipped with four consecutive losses.
Quetta Gladiators, currently topping the table with 13 points, will welcome back Finn Allen (New Zealand) and Rilee Rossouw (South Africa). Trailing them are Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, both vying for playoff berths.
Karachi Kings, sitting three points behind Quetta, are expecting captain David Warner to return from Australia in time for today’s key clash against Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam.
As the PSL enters its final phase, the return of international stars and the competitive stakes promise an exciting conclusion to a season disrupted but not derailed.
