In a major blow to the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, the rest of the matches in the competition will go ahead without any DRS (Decision Review System) because of the current geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
Why No DRS in PSL 2025?
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The non-availability of DRS in PSL 2025 is a direct result of mounting border tensions between India and Pakistan. Quoting reports from PTI, the Hawk-Eye technology team, which is tasked with running the DRS, did not come back to Pakistan after the tournament restart was resumed after it had been suspended temporarily.
Most of the technicians handling DRS +
‘[p;ol jhand Hawk-Eye systems in PSL are Indian, thus making their return impossible because of the recent war. Therefore, the PSL will go on without DRS, which affects the fairness and precision of umpiring decisions during pivotal playoff matches.
Background: India-Pakistan Conflict Affecting PSL
The most recent India-Pakistan war is a reaction to India’s Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7 in response to the April Pahalgam terror attack. Nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK were targeted by India. Cross-border shelling by Pakistan resulted in the death of civilians in Poonch, and India hit back with missile attacks against Pakistani air bases.
Even though there was a May 12 bilateral ceasefire agreement, the conflict has spread to sports, in this case, the Pakistan Super League.
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History of DRS in PSL and IPL
The Decision Review System was initially implemented in the PSL in the playoffs of the 2017 season, and thus, it is one of the early implementers of domestic T20 leagues. In comparison, the Indian Premier League (IPL) implemented the DRS in 2018.
This year, DRS was in use in PSL 2025 until the geopolitical tensions heightened. Since then, though, its absence has worried teams and supporters as neither the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) nor PSL management has given a formal statement regarding this matter.
Ongoing Matches Proceed Without DRS
Despite the absence of DRS, PSL 2025 continues. On Thursday, in a high-stakes Eliminator clash, David Warner’s Karachi Kings faced off against Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium.
Match Result: Lahore Qalandars chased down a target of 191 in just 19 overs.
Next Fixture: Qalandars will now play Islamabad United for a place in the PSL final.
Previously, Quetta Gladiators had entered the tournament final by defeating Islamabad United by 30 runs. Meanwhile, the foreign production team remains in Pakistan indefinitely because of operational uncertainty due to a lack of DRS support.
The PSL without DRS has caused worries for the tournament. Although the geopolitical dispute between India and Pakistan has a larger playing out to it, its effects on cricket, specifically the Pakistan Super League, are already apparent.
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