A source close to one of the franchises confirmed that the specialised team responsible for operating the Hawkeye and DRS systems has not returned to Pakistan
Representational Image (Pic: AFP)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to conduct the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) without the assistance of Hawkeye and Decision Review System (DRS) technologies. This decision stems from the absence of the technical crew responsible for these systems, the majority of whom are Indian nationals who have not returned to Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
The PSL's 10th edition had earlier been indefinitely suspended following missile strikes by India targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). These attacks came roughly two weeks after the devastating April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
In the aftermath, the PCB made efforts to relocate the remainder of the league to the UAE, but the proposal was declined by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
A source close to one of the franchises confirmed that the specialised team responsible for operating the Hawkeye and DRS systems has not returned to Pakistan, effectively ruling out the use of these technologies for the rest of the competition.
"Which means that the last few remaining matches of the PSL will now be completed without any DRS which is a big blow to the board and teams," the source revealed.
The absence of DRS will significantly impact decision-making during critical knockout matches, particularly given the stakes at this stage of the tournament. The source further added that the unavailability of the technology is due to the broadcaster’s team being composed largely of Indian personnel.
He elaborated that once the league was suspended in the wake of the conflict, the Indian nationals employed by the broadcaster exited the country and have not returned due to the ongoing diplomatic standoff.
Compounding the league’s troubles is the exodus of overseas players, several of whom have chosen to leave for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Among those who have departed are key international recruits such as Mitchell Owens and Kusal Mendis, leaving franchises scrambling to find suitable replacements.
On Thursday, Islamabad United, one of the remaining contenders and scheduled to play in Eliminator 2 on Friday, suffered a significant setback when their star opener, England’s Alex Hales, flew back home, further weakening their lineup.
(With PTI inputs)
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