Operation Sindoor Impact: PCB reschedules PSL matches due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rescheduled matches in the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), starting with Thursday’s fixture between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi, following the Indian Armed Forces’ strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The decision was made following an emergency meeting between the PCB and representatives of the six PSL franchises amid escalating tensions between the two south Asian nuclear powers. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, also held a meeting with overseas players.

“The PCB is reviewing the situation and will be rescheduling some of the PSL matches,” the board said in a statement. “Further updates will be provided as matters are finalised.”

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As far as the Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings match is concerned, the PCB said that the revised date will be announced in “due course”. The match had to be shifted away from Rawalpindi after the cricket stadium in the city was hit by a drone.

The PCB has so far not announced officially where the matches will be shifted but reports in Pakistani media state that for now, the games could be played in Karachi, while options of finishing the league in Doha or Dubai are also being worked out.

As per a report in ARY News, PCB for now has decided to relocate all remaining matches of the PSL season 10 to Karachi and an official press release is expected soon.

Meanwhile, the ongoing tension between Indian and Pakistan has impacted the morale of the foreign players taking part in the PSL.

The Telegraph in the UK has reported that some of the England players are already “exploring routes” to reach home, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially said that they are in touch with Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana to ensure their safety.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is closely monitoring the evolving security situation over the past 24 hours. The safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remain the Board’s top priority,” BCB said in a press release on Wednesday.

“The board has been in regular contact with Bangladesh National Team players Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, who are participating in the ongoing PSL. BCB President Faruque Ahmed is also personally keeping track of the developments and has spoken directly with PSL CEO Salman Naseer and Rishad to ensure the players’ safety and peace of mind,” the release added.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said it is in contact with its players participating in the PSL and IPL, and has partnered with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) to coordinate efforts and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all West Indies players and support staff in the region.