The 2025 season of the could be without a fully functioning Decision Review System (DRS) for the remainder of the season, including the final. According to PTI, the technicians who handle the Hawkeye and other DRS systems are not expected to return to Pakistan following the country’s recent conflict with India. The PSL was suspended as tensions escalated and is now scheduled to end on May 25, with two more playoffs yet to be played.
DRS hasn’t featured in the league since its resumption on May 17. This includes the first qualifier in which Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by 30 runs to go through to the final. Karachi Kings now play Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on May 22 after which the second qualifier will be played on Friday.
According to PTI, the team which manages and runs the Hawkeye and DRS technology comprised mainly of Indian nationals. After the league was suspended due to the conflict, the Indian nationals working for the broadcaster had left for home and had not returned because of the tense situation. The PCB tried to organise the remainder of the PSL in UAE but the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) declined the proposal.
The franchises have also faced issues replacing overseas players, some of whom opted to leave for the , including Mitchell Owens and Kusal Mendis among others. On Thursday, the Islamabad United side, which has to play in the eliminator 2 on Friday, suffered a big blow as their opener, England’s Alex Hales also flew back home. The league’s rescheduling has also had an effect on Pakistan’s international calendar. The PSL final was originally scheduled for May 18 and Pakistan’s T20I series against Bangladesh would’ve then started on May 25. The series is now set to start on May 28. Additionally, the number of matches in the series has been reduced to three from the original five.
