The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has caused embarrassment for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by backing out of hosting eight remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), despite prior confirmation from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The PCB had earlier announced that the league would shift to the UAE due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. However, the ECB’s sudden withdrawal forced Pakistan to postpone the remainder of the tournament.
BCCI and Jay Shah’s Influence Behind ECB’s Decision
According to Cricbuzz, the turnaround by the ECB was influenced by the BCCI’s cordial relationship with UAE authorities and the strong global standing of Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman. Shah’s ties with UAE leadership were said to be a key factor in the ECB’s change of stance.
The BCCI has previously held one-and-a-half IPL seasons and the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, strengthening its influence in the region. The ECB’s secretary general, Mubashir Usmani, also hails from Mumbai, India.
An ECB official confirmed the Indian board’s impact, saying, “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai,” as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Foreign Cricketers Disturbed by PSL Situation
The abrupt PSL postponement also left many foreign cricketers shaken. Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain shared how tense the atmosphere was among overseas players.
“Foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, Tom Curran… all of them were so frightened… Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me that he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. Overall, they all were horrified,” Hossain told Cricbuzz.
He further added that Tom Curran experienced a panic episode at the airport when he found it shut. “He became so overwhelmed that it took two or three people to calm him down,” Hossain recalled.
Pakistan Postpones PSL Amid Growing Uncertainty
The situation highlights how international diplomatic relationships and security concerns continue to impact sporting events. While PCB had hoped to rescue the PSL season by relocating matches, the ECB’s refusal—possibly influenced by Indian diplomacy—has disrupted those plans and left players and officials on edge.
