PSL, IPL resume on May 17: A parallel comeback

PSL, IPL resume on May 17: A parallel comeback

 

Asher Butt

In a charged moment of cricket diplomacy and sporting resilience, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reignited the Pakistan Super League (PSL) flame with a bold message: "6 teams, 0 fear."

The remark, widely perceived as a veiled jibe at India, came as the PCB confirmed the resumption of PSL 10, following a weeks-long pause triggered by security concerns and cross-border tensions.

This comes in parallel with the Indian Premier League (IPL) also announcing its return—both leagues now set to resume on May 17, just days after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan defused the escalating situation.

 

PSL 10 returns with fireworks: Revised schedule released

After being suspended due to a drone-related security incident near Rawalpindi Stadium and broader regional instability, PSL 10 is ready for a dramatic comeback. The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled a condensed, action-packed schedule for the final stretch of the tournament, now set to run from May 17 to May 25.

Rawalpindi hosts final group matches:

• May 17: Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi
• May 18 (Afternoon): Quetta Gladiators vs. Multan Sultans
• May 18 (Evening): Peshawar Zalmi vs. Lahore Qalandars
• May 19: Islamabad United vs. Karachi Kings

Lahore takes over for knockouts:

• May 21: Qualifier – Top two teams
• May 22: Eliminator 1 – 3rd vs. 4th place
• May 23: Eliminator 2 – Loser of Qualifier vs. Winner of Eliminator 1
• May 25: PSL 10 Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Evening games will kick off at 7:30 PM PST, with the only afternoon match (May 18) starting at 3:30 PM PST.

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Current points table: Gladiators on top, Multan out

After 27 matches before the interruption, here’s how the teams stand:

Rank	Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Points
1	Quetta Gladiators	9	6	2	13
2	Karachi Kings	8	5	3	10
3	Islamabad United	9	5	4	10
4	Lahore Qalandars	9	4	4	9
5	Peshawar Zalmi	9	4	5	8
6	Multan Sultans	9	1	8	2

With Multan Sultans officially out of playoff contention, the remaining five sides are engaged in a fierce race for the final four spots.

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Player availability uncertain, but PSL marches on

Despite resuming on home soil, PSL X will not be spared from personnel challenges. Several foreign stars have pulled out:

• Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars) will miss the remainder of the tournament due to Zimbabwe’s upcoming Test series.
• Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand players) have opted out due to security concerns.
• The participation of Sam Billings, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell remains uncertain.

Franchises are scrambling to arrange replacements, while some teams may turn to local talent to fill crucial roles.

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IPL also returns on May 17: A parallel comeback

As if by design, the IPL is also returning on the same date as PSL—May 17—marking a rare synchrony in subcontinent cricket scheduling, albeit under very different circumstances.

The IPL has 12 league matches remaining, set to be played across six Indian cities:

• Bengaluru
• Jaipur
• Delhi
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• Ahmedabad

Although the IPL was never suspended due to the conflict, its schedule was briefly delayed for logistical reasons. Like PSL, it too has faced foreign player availability issues, especially from the New Zealand contingent.

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Cricket resilience amid ceasefire

The resumption of both leagues symbolizes not just the return of cricketing action but also the region’s capacity to move beyond tensions—at least temporarily. Naqvi’s bold statement has fueled excitement among fans and subtly drawn a line of comparison, as the PSL proceeds amid international withdrawals and security considerations.

With “six teams and zero fear,” Pakistan has committed to finishing its premier cricket tournament on home soil—against all odds.

 

High stakes and high drama ahead

The coming days will determine not just who lifts the PSL 10 trophy, but also how well the franchises adapt to player absences and a condensed schedule. With both the PSL and IPL drawing global attention once again, the stage is set for a thrilling finish to this turbulent but unforgettable cricket season.