KARACHI — Despite the ongoing military standoff between Pakistan and India, the foreign players participating in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will remain in the country, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confirmed.
Following India’s late-night attack on Tuesday and Pakistan’s subsequent retaliation, tensions between the two nations have intensified. However, foreign PSL players met with PSL chief Salman Naseer at a dinner on Tuesday evening.
PCB spokesperson Amir Mir told media that the players and leadership had an informal chat (“gup shup”), and while the current situation was likely discussed, there is no expectation that players will leave the country — especially given airspace restrictions.
“The players are under the strong security cover of the Pakistan Army,” Mir added. “Although there have been strikes across the border, we don’t foresee the PSL being affected. But if the situation escalates, we will reassess and make decisions together.”
The PSL, now approaching its knockout rounds, continues as scheduled. Matches returned to Rawalpindi on Wednesday with Islamabad United facing Quetta Gladiators. Three more games are lined up at the venue over the next three days, with the final group-stage match set for May 11 in Multan.
According to the PCB, the Qualifier match is planned for May 13 in Rawalpindi, while the Eliminators and final will be held on May 14, 16, and 18 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Wednesday that it is closely monitoring the situation and staying in contact with its players currently in the PSL.
“The BCB is in active coordination with the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure all security measures are in place for our players,” the board said in a statement.
Speaking to a Bangladeshi sports outlet, BCB president Faruque Ahmed noted that the board is adopting a wait-and-watch approach, planning to review the situation over the next few days before making further decisions, particularly concerning the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
“Our immediate concern is about the two players — Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain — who are currently competing in the PSL,” Ahmed stated.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also responded, saying it is following UK Foreign Office guidance and consulting its own security experts to assess the on-ground situation.
The ECB emphasized that while it is providing players with up-to-date security advice, the final decision to stay or leave rests with the individual players.
“Our approach is to support players with expert guidance while respecting their personal choices given the current regional tensions,” the ECB said.
Similarly, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued a statement, confirming it is closely monitoring the security environment for its players and coaching staff abroad to ensure they receive the latest advice.
