Overview:
This advisory raises doubts about the March 28 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.
The Pakistan Super League is facing serious uncertainty amid rising regional tensions. Reports indicate that airstrikes in Kabul, allegedly carried out by Pakistan, have killed around 400 people, prompting major security concerns. The travel disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran, Israel, and US conflict have made participation for foreign players more complicated.
The 2026 edition of the PSL is set to start on March 26, just two days before the Indian Premier League begins. High-profile Australian cricketers, including Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell, are expected to take part. Australian coaches Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie will also be involved with teams in the league.
According to CODE Sports, as reported by Times Now, the Australian government has approved travel for its players to Pakistan but strongly advises against visiting Peshawar. The city, which is scheduled to host a PSL match, has been labelled a high-risk area due to the conflict near the Afghanistan border.
This advisory raises doubts about the March 28 match between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. Both teams include Australian players, with Aaron Hardie representing Zalmi and Jake Fraser-McGurk part of the Rawalpindi squad. Australian players have been reassured that private flights will be available for evacuation if needed.
In another development, Afghan players have decided not to participate in the PSL’s eleventh season. Several players, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Seddiqullah Atal, Mohammad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, had initially registered for the first-ever player auction in Lahore. However, they withdrew after criticism emerged over Peshawar Zalmi’s direct signing of Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.