Overview:
The involvement of Bangladesh cricketers in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) has hit a significant hurdle due to the escalating regional tensions.
Despite rising tensions in the region, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the training schedule for all Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises. Although the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan has worsened in recent days, The Express Tribune reported that no foreign player, including those from Australia, has notified their teams about being unavailable.
The 2026 PSL opener, featuring defending champions Lahore Qalandars against Hyderabad Kingsmen, will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. PCB officials have assured that the event will proceed as planned, with team practice sessions scheduled for March 24 and 25.
Historically, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has viewed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a backup venue, but according to the latest reports, the PCB has no plans to relocate PSL matches to another country. Players will receive top-tier security, equivalent to heads of state. The PSL 2026 final is set to take place on May 3.
The involvement of Bangladesh cricketers in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) has hit a significant hurdle due to the escalating regional tensions.
After being picked in the auction, six players Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim (Peshawar Zalmi), Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), and Rishad Hossain (Peshawar Zalmi) were initially granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). However, in light of current regional tensions, the BCB has now opted to seek government clearance before permitting the players to travel, according to Cricbuzz.
“Naturally, we will seek government approval before sending our players to the PSL. In normal situations, we simply issue clearances, and the players go, play, and return without any issues. However, given that the current situation is not normal and there is a potential risk to the players, we will definitely consult with the government,” Nazmul Abedin, the BCB cricket operations chairman, said.
“We will consult with the government to determine if it is safe for the players to travel. Based on their decision, we will make the final call on whether the players will participate or not,” he added.
“Since it’s difficult for us to fully assess the situation there, it’s something the government can better evaluate. If the government confirms that it’s safe for the players to travel, they will go. In principle, we’ve decided to issue the NOC, and they are set to play. However, this ultimately depends on the situation,” Nazmul explained.