PSL set to resume on May 17 after ceasefire

Pakistan’s Twenty20 League is set to resume from Saturday after it was postponed following a series of attacks by India and Pakistan last week, with Australian David Warner vowing to return.

The May 8 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was postponed last Thursday after a drone attack hit a street adjacent to Rawalpindi Stadium.

The PSL was initially going to relocate to the UAE before it was postponed on Friday.

But with both countries agreeing to a ceasefire, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the PSL will resume from May 17.

“The PSL 2025 will resume on May 17, with the final on May 25.

The League will pick up from where it left off, six teams with zero fear,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a post on X.

The four remaining group games will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the playoffs and final in Lahore, the PSB said in a release.

Thirty-seven foreign players were involved in the tenth edition of the PSL, which started in Karachi from April 11.

Former Australian opener Warner confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper his plans to return and play the remaining matches for the Karachi Kings.

However, Pakistan media reported eight New Zealand players involved in the PSL, including former captain Kane Williamson were reluctant to return despite being assured of security arrangements.

Across the border, the Indian Premier League is also due to restart from Saturday after being postponed over the India-Pakistan conflict.

PCB names Hesson as white-ball coach: Pakistan appointed New Zealander Mike Hesson as coach of their white-ball team on Tuesday, their ninth in the last two years.

The 50-year-old takes over from former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who had served on an interim basis since November.

Hesson coached New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, during which they reached the final of the 2015 World Cup and won eight of 11 home Test series.

Hesson had also coached Kenya’s national team and been coaching Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League since 2024.

His first assignment will be a five-match Twenty20 home series against Bangladesh starting later this month.

“Mike brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of developing competitive sides,” Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Naqvi wrote on social media.

He added: “We look forward to his expertise and leadership in shaping the future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket.”

Aaqib declined to continue after Pakistan crashed out in the first round of their home Champions Trophy in February-March, followed by heavy defeats in New Zealand in T20 and ODI series.

Pakistan have a history of sacking or replacing coaches, recent departures including Australian Jason Gillespie and South African Gary Kirsten.

Agencies