The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the indefinite postponement of the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 in light of the deteriorating regional security situation.

The move to suspend the tournament was taken on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan."

"In such times, while cricket unites and brings joy, it must take a respectful pause," the PCB said.

The PCB expressed full solidarity with the families of martyrs and security personnel, and thanked all stakeholders - franchises, players, sponsors, broadcasters, and fans - for their continued support during the tournament.

The board also acknowledged the emotional toll on players, particularly foreign cricketers, and respected the concerns of their families seeking their safe return home.

Earlier on Friday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X had been shifted to the UAE. As such, the last eight fixtures, which were previously scheduled in Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore were to be staged at the UAE.

The decision was reached after several meetings between the franchise and the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country's interior minister.

Naqvi said the decision was made for the sake of players' safety.

"The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the stadium, the PCB has taken this decision," Naqvi was quoted as saying in the statement.

The postponement came when the PSL 10 was in its final stage, with only eight matches remaining.

After 27 matches, Quetta Gladiators, already qualified for the playoffs, lead the points table with six wins, two losses and one no result from nine matches.

Karachi Kings are in second place with 10 points, having secured five wins and three losses in eight matches. Defending champions Islamabad United sit in third position, also with 10 points, following five wins and four losses from nine games.

Lahore Qalandars are in fourth place with nine points, having secured four wins, four losses, and one no-result. Peshawar Zalmi are in fifth position with eight points from four wins in nine matches.

Multan Sultans have been eliminated from playoff contention after securing only one win and suffering eight defeats in their nine matches.

It is pertinent to mention that Quetta Gladiators became the first team to qualify for the playoff round of the tournament and currently lead the points table with six wins, two defeats, and one washout due to rain, in nine games.

Thirty-seven foreign players including from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are involved in the PSL.

Shahid Afridi mocks Indian TV channels

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has lashed out at Indian media outlets, referring to them as "Cartoon Network" in response to their coverage of India's recent military actions against Pakistan.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi criticised the sensationalist and seemingly warmongering tone of Indian TV channels amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

His remarks came after the Indian military launched strikes that reportedly killed dozens of Pakistani civilians, including women and children.

Afridi wrote: "Indian media reminds me of Cartoon Network. Always loud, animated and never serious about facts."

His comment, though laced with humour, underscores growing frustration in Pakistan over what officials describe as irresponsible journalism and fabricated war narratives by Indian broadcasters.

The ex-all-rounder's comments resonated widely on social media, with many Pakistanis applauding his blunt take on what they consider to be jingoistic reporting designed to provoke rather than inform.

Afridi's statement reflects a broader sentiment in Pakistan where many believe Indian news channels are contributing to heightened regional instability through sensationalist coverage, especially during moments of cross-border conflict.