Lahore/Rawalpindi, May 9, 2025 — The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become the latest casualty of the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan. A highly anticipated match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled for Thursday evening at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, was abruptly cancelled after Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes targeting multiple Air Defence installations across Pakistan.
Foreign Players ‘Shocked and Unnerved’
According to reports, foreign players participating in the PSL were left deeply shocked following the sudden cancellation and the intensifying regional conflict. Many have reportedly requested immediate exit from Pakistan, citing safety concerns and the deteriorating security environment.
A former Pakistan cricketer, speaking to IANS, said:
“The players are shaken. After last night’s attacks and the blackouts in several cities, some of the international players are pressing their boards and agents to arrange immediate departure. The PCB is trying to calm the situation but things are moving very fast.”
PCB Scrambles to Reorganize PSL Schedule
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier maintained that PSL Season 10 would continue as scheduled, despite rising geopolitical tensions following India’s recent military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, including one foreign national. However, the evolving situation has forced the PCB to reconsider.
Sources within the board have confirmed that PCB officials have proposed relocating the remaining PSL matches to safer venues, including Karachi, Doha (Qatar), and Dubai (UAE) — a move that may be necessary to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans.
An emergency meeting of PSL franchise owners and top PCB officials has been convened at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, to deliberate on the immediate future of the tournament.
Regional Conflict: From Border Skirmishes to Airstrikes
The latest developments come against the backdrop of a dangerous military escalation between India and Pakistan:
- On May 7, India launched coordinated airstrikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
- In response, Pakistan attempted to retaliate militarily by launching drone and missile strikes across northern and western Indian targets, including Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj, during the night of May 7–8.
- India responded on Thursday morning with targeted strikes on Pakistani air defense systems, neutralizing key radar installations, including one in Lahore, which lies just miles from major PSL venues.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the strikes were part of a “measured and strategic response aimed at neutralizing immediate threats to Indian airspace and ground targets.”
Sport Amid Conflict: Safety Now a Priority
The abrupt disruption of the PSL has sparked widespread concern about the feasibility of hosting international sporting events in conflict zones. Cricket commentators and analysts have noted that the PSL’s suspension could have a long-term impact on Pakistan’s ability to attract foreign talent and host global fixtures.
The PCB is also set to review the status of the upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to begin later this month. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is reportedly in touch with its diplomatic missions and security advisors to assess the situation.
Global Sports Bodies Monitoring Situation
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and cricket boards from England, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand are said to be closely monitoring the situation. Player associations have also urged the PCB to ensure complete transparency with regard to player safety and evacuation plans, should the situation deteriorate further.
