PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s reckless anti-India remarks over PSL shift to UAE ignore Pakistan’s own role in escalating border tensions.

In a shocking display of deflection and blame-shifting, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday that the remaining fixtures of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be moved to the UAE, citing security concerns. However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s outrageous claim that India’s "reckless targeting" of Pakistan was the reason behind the shift has drawn fierce criticism, especially given that it is Pakistan itself that has escalated tensions with repeated drone attacks and ceasefire violations along the border.

The PSL fixtures were initially set to be played in Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore, but will now be relocated to the UAE for the remaining eight matches. While Naqvi expressed regret over the disruption to Pakistani fans, his comments quickly veered into dangerous territory. He blamed India for the shift, accusing it of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to disrupt the tournament.

 

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"I regret that our domestic audience and cricket lovers will not be able to watch these matches in Pakistan's stadiums," Mohsin Naqvi said.

But it was his next remark that stood out for its recklessness: "The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India."

The matches affected by the relocation include:

Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi

Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars

Islamabad United v Karachi Kings

Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators

Qualifier

Eliminator 1

Eliminator 2

Final

Naqvi's accusation is not only unfounded but conveniently ignores the fact that Pakistan has been the aggressor, initiating drone attacks and violating ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC). The nerve of the PCB Chairman’s remarks is especially galling considering the recent actions of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

 

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Indian Army successfully repels Pakistani drone attacks

The Indian Army successfully neutralised more than 50 Pakistani drones in a large-scale counter-drone operation along the Western Border, after Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace with a swarm of drones. The Indian forces used sophisticated air defense systems, including L-70 guns and Schilka systems, to intercept and destroy the drones, preventing any civilian casualties.

The Indian Army statement read, “Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignity and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force.”

By blaming India for the PSL fixture shift, Naqvi is attempting to mask Pakistan’s own role in escalating tensions and putting cricket and regional stability at risk. Rather than acknowledging the security concerns arising from Pakistan’s drone strikes and military provocations, the PCB Chairman is irresponsibly politicizing the situation, turning the sport into a platform for anti-India rhetoric.