PSL and IPL to resume this weekend after ceasefire between Pakistan and India
The Pakistan Super League is set to resume at home this weekend after a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Saturday that the T20 league was postponed indefinitely, a day after announcing the league would be relocating to the UAE. The 10th edition of the PSL was suspended last Thursday after an Indian drone fell near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was due to host a game featuring foreign players from Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand and Afghanistan. The drone attack was described by Pakistan as a 'deliberate attempt' by India to target players. There are eight matches remaining in the six-team PSL, including the play-offs and the final scheduled for May 18. 'PSL X picks up from where it left off! 6 teams, 0 fear,' Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted Tuesday on X. 'Let the aura take over as we unite and celebrate the spirit of cricket," he posted. "Get ready for 8 thrilling matches starting 17th May, leading up to the Grand Final on 25th May. Best of luck to all the teams!' Organisers first proposed moving the tournament to Dubai but later decided to postpone it after foreign players were reluctant to participate in the tournament due to security concerns. Around 43 foreign cricketers were flown out of Pakistan from an airbase in Rawalpindi. It is not clear how many foreign players will return to Pakistan for the remaining eight games, which are likely to be played at Rawalpindi and Lahore. Quetta Gladiators have already qualified for the play-offs and lead the standings with 13 points. Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi are in the running to fill the remaining three play-off spots. Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, are already out of the play-off race after losing eight of their nine league games. The Indian Premier League is set to resume on Saturday, with the remaining 17 games of the season to be held across six venues. IPL officials made the announcement on Monday, three days after the world's richest Twenty20 league was suspended amid the ramping up of military hostilities between India and Pakistan. No games will be lost. The Punjab Kings-Delhi Capitals game abandoned in Dharamsala in the 11th over last Thursday – due to apparent flood light failure – will be replayed. It remains to be seen how many overseas players will be tempted back, having left the region as tensions between the nuclear powers escalated. The matches are scheduled for Bengaluru, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad – with Dharamsala notable by its absence. The last round-robin game will be on May 27 when Lucknow Super Giants host Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The first two knockout matches will be on May 29 and 30. Qualifier 2 will be on June 1. The final, originally slated for May 25, has been rescheduled for June 3. Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said in a statement: 'The BCCI is pleased to announce the resumption of the TATA IPL 2025. 'After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season. 'The BCCI takes this opportunity to once again salute the bravery and resilience of India's armed forces, whose efforts have enabled the safe return of cricket. 'The Board reaffirms its commitment to national interest while ensuring the successful completion of the league.' The league will resume with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru. India superstar Virat Kohli will be in action for the first time since his Test retirement announcement on Monday. Seven teams are vying for the four places in the play-offs. Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Chennai have already been eliminated from contention. Chennai and Hyderabad will not play their final home games at their stadiums, keeping security and logistics in mind.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
GECO ME crowned champions at inaugural FMPL Season 1
The inaugural edition of the Facility Management Premier League (FMPL) – Season 1, presented by O Gold App, concluded on a high note at the DCS You Select Arena Ground in Sharjah, bringing together top facility management companies for an electrifying two-day T10 cricket tournament. Held on June 13 and 14, the championship was co-sponsored by RG Group and powered by FMPL Season 1 saw eight of the UAE's leading facility management companies battle it out in 13 action-packed matches, celebrating not only competitive spirit but also unity and camaraderie within the industry. Emerging as the undisputed champions were GECO ME, who triumphed over Al Tanmiyah Super Kings in the thrilling final match. After winning the toss, Al Tanmiyah opted to bat first and posted a respectable 75/5 in 10 overs. In response, GECO ME chased down the target in just 8.2 overs, clinching the title with a spectacular Instant Cash SIX, finishing at 76/4. For their stellar performance, GECO ME was awarded the prestigious FMPL Champion's Trophy, gold medals, and a cash prize of Dh5,000. Al Tanmiyah Super Kings were lauded with silver medals and the runner-up trophy for their commendable performance. The grand finale was graced by Abdullah Al Mamoon, vice president – HR and legal affairs (HR & OE), who attended as the chief guest. Adding a touch of glamour and elegance to the event were five prominent personalities from the fashion and pageantry world: Swati Shemil – Mrs. International Women of Substance 2023 Payal Kapoor – Runner-up at De Mehr Pageant, Miss Fashionista, and International Fashion Idol Dhairya Salla – Miss UAE International Runner-Up Prutha Pawar Kaul – Mrs. India Middle East 2023 Tournament highlights: Man of the Match (Final): Asif Hayat – GECO ME Most Runs: Abu Bakar Siddiqi – GECO ME (89 runs from 37 balls) Best Bowler: Muddassir – White Spot (7 wickets, economy 3.33) Best Batsman: Zeeshan – Khansaheb Engineering (151 runs overall) Best Fielder / Most Dismissals: Afzal – Serve U Man of the Series: Mohammed Waleed – Al Tanmiyah Super Kings The entire event was seamlessly conceptualised and executed by Trendz Events – Powered by Farnek, under the visionary leadership of Karthik Vijayamani, managing director of Trendz Events. His initiative to unite the facility management community through the power of sports has set a new benchmark in the industry. Following the overwhelming success of Season 1, FMPL Season 2 is already in the works and is scheduled for February 2026. With high anticipation and growing participation, the next edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more competitive.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
ILT20, KCB enter strategic partnership for growth of the sport in Kuwait
The DP World International League T20 and the Kuwait Cricket Board have entered an exciting partnership for the growth of the sport in Kuwait. Through the partnership the DP World ILT20 will organise cricket matches in the country which will be aimed at identifying and developing the participating players. The agreement between the Kuwait Cricket Board and DP World ILT20 was inked at a signing ceremony organised recently at the Dubai International Stadium. As per the agreement, a domestic event like the DP World ILT20 UAE Development Tournament, will be conducted annually in Kuwait to provide the players from Kuwait an opportunity to get selected by ILT20 franchises for the main DP World ILT20 event. In the coming years, the league will also aim to host DP World ILT2o matches in Kuwait. 'We are very proud to announce our collaboration with Kuwait Cricket Board as they join our league [DP World ILT20]. It is a great honour for us, and we look forward to many more such collaborations in the future. Kuwait is very important to us; it is a great country and keen on promoting and further developing cricket," said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board. 'Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries are all one, the [cricket playing] communities are residing throughout the region and our aim with the DP World ILT20 is to grow and develop the game in the entire region. Our endeavour is to provide maximum opportunities to the players and for the fans to join us at this great tournament which we are trying to grow more and more.' President Kuwait Cricket Haider Farman: 'I am honoured to formalise this agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to further promote the DP World ILT20 — not only in our two nations but across the entire region. This partnership is a key pillar of the league's broader vision for the growth and globalisation of cricket. We firmly believe that cricket can serve as a powerful bridge between our countries, and we look forward to this collaboration bringing meaningful benefits to our players, coaches, and officials alike. 'It is also a matter of great pride that Kuwait becomes the first country in the world to be officially recognized as a strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. 'Cricket continues to grow in popularity in the State of Kuwait, with Kuwait Cricket making significant strides both on and off the field. This landmark collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board and the ILT20 will play a critical role in helping us realize our long-term vision — to involve more Kuwaiti nationals in our cricketing ecosystem, especially as players and officials. 'With the Asian Games scheduled to take place in Qatar in 2030 and Saudi Arabia in 2034, the timing couldn't be better. DP World ILT20 can be a transformative force in inspiring the next generation of local talent to embrace the sport across the GCC like never before.' CEO DP World ILT20 David White: 'I would like to congratulate Kuwait Cricket on their vision and foresight that has led to this exciting alliance. The DP World ILT2o's long term vision is to grow the game not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region. 'This partnership provides a great opportunity for Kuwait Cricket and their young players to develop further. We have seen it in the DP World ILT20 how the young UAE players have benefited enormously through this incredible platform under some world-class coaching. 'The UAE team recently won a T20I series against Bangladesh which is indeed a testament to the success of the DP World ILT20 as a lot of the UAE team members had received great exposure at the league in recent years, surely Kuwait and other countries in the region are going to benefit as well.' Sajid Ashraf, Director General Kuwait Cricket. says the partnership will help the sport grow in Kuwait. 'This momentous collaboration with the Emirates Cricket Board — a true leader in regional cricket development and the driving force behind the world-class DP World ILT20 — marks a historic milestone for Kuwait Cricket. It opens the door to a long-awaited dream: enabling our Kuwait players to pursue full-time professional cricket careers on the international franchise stage," Ashraf said. Meanwhile, the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on December 2, UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad). The six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on January 4, 2026.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
1971 was the real resurgence of Indian cricket, not 1983, says Farokh Engineer
Farokh Engineer retired from cricket almost 50 years ago. But the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, who settled down in Manchester after marrying an Englishwoman, still talks about the game with the same vigour he displayed while playing those fearless hook shots against the world's fastest bowlers in the pre-helmet era. Engineer is hale and hearty at 87, having recently undergone a successful heart valve surgery. A Brylcreem model in his youth, he was India's first glamour boy, who also played a significant role in India's first-ever Test series on English soil in 1971. Engineer is now itching to get back to Old Trafford — home of Lancashire Cricket Club where he became one of the legends of county cricket — for the fourth match of the new-look Indian team's five-Test series against England. During an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times over Zoom, Engineer reminisced about his glory days and also opened up about his friendship with Pele and George Best. Q. Good to see you and you seem to be doing very well after the heart surgery… Yes, I am fine and alive. And now I can't wait to go to the Old Trafford for the India-England Test. Q. Lancashire holds a very special place in your heart. You won so many trophies with them… Yes, I'm now a vice president of the club, a lifelong vice president. And I'm also one of the legends of the club. They have selected only a few people as legends. You know, legend is a term that's very loosely used, but Lancashire have honoured me along with Clive Lloyd and others. So, we are not only vice presidents for life, but we are legends as well, and I am very proud of it because it's a great club and a great institution. Q. Well, you are also an Indian cricket legend. You became the darling of Indian cricket for your flamboyant style of cricket, both in front of the wicket and behind it as a keeper-batter I usually get youngsters telling me that their grandfathers used to talk about me because I'm almost 88 now. But it's always nice to know that people still remember me. Q. People who truly love cricket will never forget India's historic Test series wins in the West Indies and England in 1971. And you played a big role in the series win against England… Yes, I got important runs in that Test series. The first Test at Lord's, we should have won that match. I had a very interesting partnership with Sunil Gavaskar when we were chasing some 180-odd runs. But rains fell and we lost wickets. The third Test at The Oval, which we won, will always remain in my mind as one of the most historical moments in Indian cricket. You know people think that 1983 (World Cup triumph) was the renaissance of Indian cricket. But 1971 was the real resurgence of Indian cricket, not 1983. Of course, the 83 World Cup win was a great achievement. But if you ask me, the resurgence of Indian cricket was in 1971. Unfortunately, people have short memories, you see, people forget what's happened before. Q. Now today's youngsters who love Virat Kohli are probably not even aware of Viv Richards and Barry Richards, the South African legend who played only four Tests because of apartheid… I have not seen a better batsman than Viv Richards and Barry Richards. You know, Sachin Tendulkar was a great player. Brian Lara was fantastic, a phenomenal player. Sunil Gavaskar was a great opening batsman. But you mentioned those two names — Viv Richards and Barry Richards — they were just incredible. Yes, the world hasn't heard much about Barry because he was from South Africa and South Africa was isolated those days because of that apartheid. I played against Gordon Greenidge and Barry Richards. I mean, what a formidable opening partnership that was for Hampshire. But we had good cricketers (at Lancashire). We had Clive Lloyd with us. You know, he was my roommate for over 10 years. The standard of county cricket was very high. Do you know how we were invited? Only six cricketers were initially invited to England to play county cricket, Garry Sobers, myself, Rohan Kanhai, Mike Proctor and Barry Richards. All those were greats of the game, but you mentioned two names, Viv and Barry. Viv was absolutely phenomenal for me. I think he's the finest batsman I have ever seen or played against, because his reflexive was so quick. Barry wasn't far behind, our own Tendulkar was a great player too. But Viv was the best I have seen. Q. The purists of the game still rave about your hundred against the fearsome West Indies attack at Chennai in 1967. They still call it one of the best attacking innings in Test cricket… Yes, I almost scored a century before lunch against Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith and Garry Sobers. When they won the toss on a real green top, nobody (in the Indian team) wanted to open. We didn't have any helmets, no thigh pads, no chest pads, nothing. I mean, there was no protection at all. People now rave about today's fast bowlers, but those guys were really quick. And I hooked their bounces all over the place. I was 94 before lunch, and when (spinner) Lance Gibbs came on after lunch, I hit him out of the stadium. People joke that the ball is still travelling because they never found it. Q. Cricket is not the same sport you played back in the 1960s and 1970s. There was absolutely no money then, and now players earn millions of dollars for playing a two-month-long IPL. I remember a Test match against New Zealand. We're winning the game in four days. Those days we used to get 50 rupees per day for a Test match. If we had won the match in four days, we would have lost out on the 50 rupees for the fifth and the final day. So when we were nearing the victory target, all sorts of messages were coming from the dressing room. They wanted us to defend. And a loud cheer went on when we had two or three runs left to score the next day for 50 rupees each. Luckily, I was involved with the advertising people at Brylcreem. Denis Compton was the first person to model for Brylcreem, and he was a double International. He was a soccer international and a cricket international for England. Then there was Keith Miller, the flamboyant Australian all-rounder, fantastic legend, good-looking guy, and I was the third person. To be offered a contract by Brylcreem those days was like being on the cover page of Vogue magazine. Q. We also heard stories about your friendship with Pele and George Best... Pele became a very dear friend of mine. Gordon Banks invited him to England and we got talking that day. He was playing golf with Bobby Charlton the next day. I live just 100 yards from that golf course. And he asked me if there was a good hotel where he could stay. I just looked at my wife, and I said 'you can stay with us.' So he came and stayed over at our place. Now when we have guests at our house, I show them the bed where Pele slept. He was a wonderful man, he gave me his shirt and also signed it. And how did you become friends with Best? George came from (Northern) Ireland and I came from India. You know the Old Trafford cricket ground is only 100 yards away from the Manchester United football club. So there's a lot of connection with that and George just became friendly. He loved to eat curries, and so we just hit it off from the start. Q. Did you get to see the other side of him, his flamboyant lifestyle? We had a car crash when I was giving him a lift to the ground. There was a traffic light and George being George, put this window down and started talking to a blonde. I don't know if you knew her or not. So I took my eyes off and suddenly the car in front stopped and I hit it. When the police came, I said, 'I'm sorry'. And he was like 'you don't see many blondes in Bombay'. So we were that kind of friends. I got a lovely shirt from him, his boots as well. I've got them at home, I will never sell them. Q. Cricket may not have given you a lot of money, but it gave you you some amazing friends… When I meet my (cricket) contemporaries, we have a good laugh. I was with Viv Richards a couple of weeks ago, and we had a great time. He had come over to England for a trade show. You know even Dennis Lillee came over from Australia to play my benefit match in India. We are still close friends, even though I scored 192 against him and Jeff Thomson, not against Australia, but in a tour game in Brisbane. So, we have kept our friendship going, and I hope it keeps blossoming till the day we die.
