Jay Shah's role in UAE rejecting PSL 2025 hosting revealed

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, cricket has quietly stepped into the spotlight. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to host the remainder of the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025) in the UAE.

A Cricbuzz report suggested that the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision came after an indirect push from Indian cricket officials, hinting at Jay Shah. With lives being lost at the border, they feel that hosting a PSL 2025 in the UAE would send the wrong message.

India Blocks PSL 2025 Move to UAE amid border tensions

The ECB’s refusal is seen as a direct response to the ongoing war between India and Pakistan. The report hinted at the growing influence of the former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is currently serving as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has long-standing ties with the ECB.

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A cricket official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “When soldiers are dying at the border, we cannot keep quiet.”

Relations between the BCCI and ECB have been strong over the years, especially after India hosted half and a full IPL season as well as the entire 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.

We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai: ECB

Interestingly, ECB's secretary general, Mubashir Usmani, is originally from Mumbai, and that’s why their connection with India has always been friendly.

An ECB official even admitted that their decision to turn down Pakistan’s request for hosting PSL 2025 matches was influenced by their close ties with the BCCI and Jay Shah. An ECB official stated, “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai.”

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Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had planned to move the remaining eight matches of the PSL 2025 to Dubai. In fact, the PCB even made a public announcement, confirming shifting the league to the UAE. But just a few hours later, they had to take a complete U-turn.

They had to postpone the PSL 2025. One of the main reasons for this sudden change was the reluctance of many foreign players to continue playing in the current situation. Initially, the ECB agreed to consider PCB’s request, but things quickly changed.

ECB insulted PCB?

First, the ECB refused to allow the use of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to the PCB, and then they reportedly quoted a very high hosting fee—something the financially struggling Pakistan simply couldn’t afford. Eventually, with no venue and no players willing to play, the PCB had to call off the matches for now.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier stated, “I regret that our domestic audience and cricket lovers will not be able to watch these matches in Pakistan’s stadiums. But as a responsible organization, it is our duty to prioritize the safety and mental well-being of players and staff.”

Pakistan could also postpone the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as they are scheduled to host five T20I matches later this month in May 2025.