The Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, set for Thursday evening at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, was cancelled after India launched strikes on Pakistani defence infrastructure. This move follows India’s targeting of air defence radars and systems at multiple sites in response to Pakistan’s cross-border actions.
Foreign Players Shaken, PCB Considers Relocation
One of the former Pakistani cricketers informed IANS, “A PSL match in Rawalpindi was postponed after an attack, leaving foreign players in shock. The match was scheduled for tonight. Many are now looking to depart from the country as early as possible. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will decide after consulting the government.”
In the wake of the deteriorating situation, PCB authorities have suggested relocating all the remaining PSL matches to Karachi, Doha, or Dubai for security. The Pakistan Cricket Board, having previously asserted that the tournament would go ahead as scheduled, is now reconsidering the schedule in light of fast-evolving circumstances.
Cross-Border Strikes Heighten Crisis
The cancellation has come a day after India launched precision strikes on nine high-value terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The retaliatory strikes came in the wake of the May 7 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 lives were lost, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
During the early morning hours of May 8, the Indian Armed Forces attacked a number of Pakistani air defence systems, reportedly disabling a major radar system in Lahore. Pakistan retaliated by firing drones and missiles at strategic Indian military installations in Northern and Western India, including Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Bhuj.
PCB Holds Emergency Talks
The PCB, as per Pakistani media reports, has summoned an emergency meeting with PSL franchises at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to discuss alternatives for the remaining matches. According to a report by Geo Super, the board is also considering contingency plans for the home T20I series against Bangladesh in the near future, in the event of further escalation of the conflict.
Ongoing Conflict Casts Shadow Over Cricket
Even though PCB is still optimistic of resuming PSL Season 10 uninterrupted, current tension and escalating security issues will have to impact the involvement of foreign players as well as playing venues. Cricket administration is being squeezed tight because it has to deal with security concerns while attempting to uphold sports commitment.
