Sports

Cricket comes to UAE: PSL relocated and IPL suspended amid India-Pakistan tensions

Published

3 months ago

May 9, 2025

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Cricket schedules have undergone major changes this week as rising tensions between India and Pakistan prompted adjustments to both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) seasons. The IPL 2025 has been temporarily suspended, while the remaining PSL matches have been moved to the UAE.

The IPL 2025 has been suspended indefinitely due to safety issues. The decision came soon after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was halted midway due to a “technical failure.” Affected by security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved a subsequent match to Ahmedabad before calling off the remainder of the tournament.

So far, 58 matches have been played, with just 12 league games left before the playoffs, originally scheduled across cities like Lucknow, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The final was set for May 25 in Kolkata. The BCCI has begun flying overseas players home on chartered flights and is eyeing a possible window to resume the season in August–September, which coincides with the Asia Cup and India’s Bangladesh tour.

“We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority. Hence we decided to stop the tournament for now. We’ll decide later if and when the tournament can resume,” BCCI sources said in a report.

Pakistan Super League to conclude in UAE

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will now conclude in the UAE, with the final eight matches relocated from Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore due to rising safety concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the move on Friday, following reports that Pakistan’s military had intercepted 28 Indian drones, including one near a cricket stadium. Pakistan’s foreign minister described the act as a “deliberate attempt to target domestic and foreign players.”

The decision was finalised after urgent meetings between PSL team owners and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

PSL matches coming to UAE include:

Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars
Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings
Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators
Qualifier
Eliminator 1
Eliminator 2
Final

While official dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, the UAE has previously hosted both the IPL and PSL. For fans in the UAE, this means access to the thrilling final leg of the PSL and possibly more cricket to come when the IPL resumes later.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Sports

Asia Cup 2025 in UAE: Full schedule, teams, and the big India-Pakistan showdown

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3 days ago

July 28, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Cricket fans in the UAE, get ready, the Asia Cup 2025 is heading your way, and the excitement starts on September 9.

The tournament opener will see Afghanistan take on Hong Kong China. Still, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash the next day: India vs UAE on September 10, marking the Men in Blue’s first match on Emirati soil in this edition.

Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup is back for its 17th edition, bringing together eight nations divided into two action-packed groups.

Group A

India
Pakistan
UAE (hosts)
Oman

Group B

Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
Hong Kong China

The big-ticket match everyone is waiting for? India vs Pakistan on September 14. And depending on how the Super 4 and final play out, these two rivals could face off up to three times in the tournament.

Format & Schedule Highlights

Group Stage: September 9 to 19
Super 4s: September 20 to 26
Final: September 28
(All matches start at 6pm UAE time)

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 round, and the top two from there will battle it out in the final showdown on September 28.

Can India Defend Their Crown?

India enters the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with eight titles to their name. Sri Lanka follows closely with six, while Pakistan have won it twice.

This year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format, making it the perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup in 2026. The last time the Asia Cup was played in T20 format? Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan in 2022 to take the trophy.

Mark These Matches on Your Calendar:

Sep 10: India vs UAE
Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
Sep 14: India vs Pakistan (don’t miss this!)
Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
Sep 19: India vs Oman
Sep 28: Asia Cup Final

With high stakes, regional pride, and potential rivalries reignited, Asia Cup 2025 promises fireworks in the UAE, on and off the pitch.

News

DP World ILT20 donates tournament gear to children in Madagascar through Gulf for Good partnership

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2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is extending its impact well beyond the cricket pitch, to Madagascar, where children are now proudly wearing official ILT20 merchandise from last season, thanks to a charitable partnership with Gulf for Good, a UAE-based non-profit.

As part of its CSR initiative, the ILT20 has donated over 500 pieces of branded merchandise to children in need through Gulf for Good’s Outreach Programme. The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and community development projects around the world, with over 2,000 children expected to benefit in the long run.

“This initiative is all about making a small contribution to a much bigger cause,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.
“We’re proud to call the UAE our home, a country that is globally recognised for its generosity. As the region’s biggest cricket league, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond the field.”

Looking ahead: ILT20 Season 4 set for UAE National Day launch

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will return in style this winter, kicking off with a blockbuster opening on UAE National Day (December 2) and wrapping up with the grand final on January 4, 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to grow in popularity, drawing international stars and thousands of fans from across the region.

Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket applications to open on September 10

Published

2 weeks ago

July 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Football fans, mark your calendars: FIFA has announced that the first ticket application phase for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The tournament, set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

With demand expected to be massive, FIFA is urging fans around the world to pre-register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID now to be ready for the draw.

“These will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re excited to welcome the world back to North America for what will be the greatest sporting event ever.”

Key tournament dates

Opening match: Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Mexico City
Final match: Sunday, July 19, 2026 – New York/New Jersey

The announcement follows the success of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also hosted in the U.S., which drew nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 cities, a strong preview of what fans can expect in 2026.

What fans can expect

48 national teams competing
Matches across 3 countries and multiple cities
6.5 million fans expected to attend
First ticket draw opens September 10, 2025

Whether you’re planning a summer trip or simply want to be part of football history, now’s the time to act. Register your interest and get ready to secure your place for what’s set to be a truly unforgettable tournament