Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the remaining fixtures of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) X will be played in the United Arab Emirates to avoid possible strikes on cricket stadiums by India.

According to a statement on the PCB’s website, Naqvi — also the interior minister — noted that politics and sport need to be kept apart but the remaining fixtures of the tournament were moved following “the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium”.

He alleged that the Indian strike “was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X”.

“The PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India,” the PCB chief was quoted as saying.

“As a responsible organisation that has overcome adversities repeatedly and ensured that the game of cricket flourishes, it was important for us to ensure the mental well-being of all players participating in the HBL PSL,” the statement added.

Naqvi said the board was committed to ensuring that the league thrives and expressed hope that stakeholders would stand with the PCB in the interest of the tournament, the players and the fans.