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Foreign Players Stay Put as PSL Matches Continue Amid Border Tensions
Despite border tensions, foreign players stay in Pakistan under army protection as PSL 9 continues. PCB, BCB, ECB & NZC monitor situation but no withdrawals yet.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-08
Foreign Players Stay Put as PSL Matches Continue Amid Border Tensions

ISLAMABAD: As border tensions intensified late Tuesday following a retaliatory escalation between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) pressed on with its fixtures, showing no signs of disruption. Foreign cricketers, meanwhile, remained in Pakistan under a robust security plan, heavily guarded by Pakistan Army personnel.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that international players held a casual dinner meeting with PSL chief Salman Naseer, where the current security situation was naturally a topic of informal discussion. “There is no chance of the foreign players leaving the country anyway with airspace issues, but they are living under a heavy security blanket,” Mir told Dawn.

“There have been surgical strikes on both sides of the border, but we don’t expect that affecting the PSL. If things escalate, we will sit together and decide the next step,” he added.

Currently, the PSL is approaching its final stages, with key matches being played in Rawalpindi, including Wednesday’s game between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators. The tournament's final group-stage match will be held on May 11 in Multan, followed by the Qualifier on May 13 in Rawalpindi, and both Eliminators and the Final scheduled for May 14, 16, and 18 respectively in Lahore.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also issued a statement acknowledging the situation. “The BCB is in active coordination with the PCB and Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to guarantee the security of our players,” it said. BCB president Faruque Ahmed noted that while future tours may be reassessed in the coming days, their immediate concern was for their two players — Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain — currently participating in the PSL.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) echoed a similar stance. In a statement, the ECB said it is monitoring the situation closely in consultation with the UK Foreign Office and its internal security advisors. “Players will be given up-to-date security advice and can make their own choices accordingly,” it stated.

New Zealand Cricket also confirmed it was in close touch with its players and staff, stating, “We continue to assess the security environment for our players in all overseas tours to ensure they’re receiving the most updated advice.”

Despite the military backdrop, the PSL has remained a symbol of continuity and resilience, drawing enthusiastic support from fans nationwide. At present, no foreign players have opted out, and all franchises are reportedly fully committed to completing the season.
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