The mounting tensions across the India-Pakistan border are having an impact on cricket with PSL and IPL matches rescheduled or moved.
Thursday’s Pakistan Super League fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi – which was set to involve English players James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood – was postponed.
That decision came following an emergency meeting after a drone fell within the Rawalpindi Stadium complex, which Pakistan says was from India.
The match between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United had taken place at the same venue on Wednesday evening but other games are now set to be rescheduled.
Tom Curran is one of the English players at the PSL
What next for the Pakistan Super League?
Doha and Dubai have been mooted as potential venues, although moving the entire PSL at such short notice could be difficult so there is uncertainty over whether the tournament will be completed.
There are eight games remaining in the 10th edition of the PSL, four of which were due to be held in Rawalpindi, one in Multan and three – including the final – in Lahore.
Lahore is another of the cities to be affected by drones.
In the Indian Premier League, meanwhile, Sunday’s fixture between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians has been moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad, due to “logistical challenges”.
The Dharamsala airport has been closed in recent days as a result of the ongoing instability.
Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer (pictured), have seen their IPL game against Mumbai Indians moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad
ECB in contact with Foreign Office over player safety
There are seven English players involved in the PSL with Vince (Karachi Kings), Wood and Kohler-Cadmore (both Peshawar Zalmi) joined by Sam Billings and Tom Curran, (both Lahore Qalandars) as well as Chris Jordan and David Willey (both Multan Sultans).
It is believed that some overseas players, including those in the English contingent, have been exploring the possibility of leaving early.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is in contact with the Foreign Office to monitor any potential threat to safety, while Sky Sports News has contacted the Professional Cricketers’ Association for comment.
A total of 15 individuals from the English game, including coaches and media representatives, are in a WhatsApp group and it is understood a group call took place on Wednesday to discuss developments with the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
What has happened on the India-Pakistan border?
On Wednesday, India attacked Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-administered parts of Kashmir, which a military spokesperson said had killed at least 31 civilians and wounded 46.
India explained its original strikes were in retaliation for the terrorist attack on April 22, in which at least 26 people were shot dead.
India accused Pakistan of supporting those behind the attack – an allegation Pakistan has denied.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir says the team should not play Pakistan while tensions are ongoing
Gambhir: India should not play cricket against Pakistan
India men’s cricket coach Gautam Gambhir said earlier this week, before Tuesday’s airstrikes, that the two nations should be not play cricket matches against each other while tensions remain.
The two countries have not met outside of ICC events and the Asia Cup since 2013, with their previous fixture taking place in Dubai earlier this year as part of the Men’s Champions Trophy.
India and Pakistan could face each other at the Women’s World Cup in October and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 but those games would be at a neutral venue.
Gambhir said: “Ultimately, this is government’s decision whether we play them or not.
“I have said this before also: no cricket match or Bollywood or any other interaction is more important than the life of Indian soldiers and Indian citizens.
“Matches will keep happening, movies will be made, singers will continue to perform, but nothing comes close to losing a loved one in your family.”
