UAE Rejects BCCI’s Proposal to Host Remaining IPL Matches, Cites Commitment to PSL

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has turned down a proposal from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, citing prior commitments to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The BCCI had approached the UAE with a request to shift the rest of the IPL to the Gulf nation amid growing security concerns in India. However, the ECB declined the proposal, stating that it had already agreed to host the remainder of the PSL, which was moved from Pakistan following a drone attack in Pahalgam that also damaged Rawalpindi Stadium.

With both franchise leagues originally running in parallel, the UAE made it clear that organizing two major tournaments simultaneously would not be feasible.

IPL Suspension and Search for Alternatives

The IPL faced a significant setback earlier this week when a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was abandoned due to security threats. In response, the BCCI suspended the tournament for a week and began exploring alternative venues.

Cities like Chennai and Bengaluru — located far from conflict-prone border regions — are being considered as potential hosts for the remaining 16 matches, including 12 league games.

Scheduling Challenges Ahead

Further complicating matters, India is also scheduled to host the Asia Cup later this year. The overlap in logistics and security planning for both the IPL and Asia Cup could create additional scheduling and operational hurdles for the BCCI.

Managing the current crisis and ensuring that the remaining IPL matches are played on time has now become the BCCI’s foremost challenge.