England has reportedly declined Pakistan’s request to host the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025) playoffs. As per Cricket Pakistan, the PSL franchises were concerned about the costs following which they were assured that an official would be sent to England to assess the situation. While England has denied the request citing unavailability of grounds, it is pertinent to point out that PSL will overlap with IPL 2024, in which many England players are expected to participate.
England refuses to host PSL playoffs
As per the report, England have rejected the request to host the playoffs and the final. Now, Pakistan are considering asking UAE to host the matches. UAE has been Pakistan’s first-choice for multiple tournaments, including international tours, as a neutral venue.
The PSL franchises have already expressed their concern over PSL 2025 overlapping with the IPL. The teams fear that players would priortize the Indian league over PSL. PSL 2025 will take place between April 10 and May 25.
Earlier, various teams raised concerns in a joint letter, demanding a Governing Council to address the issues. The letter, as per the report, talks about the concerns over the dates of the PSL, which is scheduled to be in April and May after the Champions Trophy 2025.
The team owners weren’t convinced that clashing with the IPL will help them commercially. The letter also talks about the feasibility of holding four matches of the tournament outside Pakistan. Detailed costs for the same, and also the advantages for the move have also been asked.