The ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been significantly impacted by the recent Indian drone strikes, as security concerns escalate among foreign cricketers participating in the tournament. The strikes, which are believed to be in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, have disrupted the sporting event, causing the suspension of several matches and prompting many foreign players to reconsider their participation.

On Thursday evening, May 8, a match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi, was abruptly called off due to a drone attack targeting the Rawalpindi stadium. This disruption was followed by the cancellation of the Friday match between Lahore and Zalmi.

Reports from NDTV claim that Indian airstrikes have also targeted Pakistan’s air defense systems in Rawalpindi and Lahore, further raising tensions. The escalation in security risks has caused several foreign players, including seven English cricketers—James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood, and Tom Coller-Cadmore—to contemplate leaving Pakistan. Joining them in their concerns are English coach Robi Bopara and assistant coach Alexandra Hartley. Additionally, two Bangladeshi cricketers, Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, who are also in Pakistan for the PSL, have expressed intentions to return home following the attack.

A cricket agent shared, "Everything is still normal for now, but if anything happens in the next 24 hours, many players may leave Pakistan."

Despite these concerns, leaving Pakistan is not an easy option. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the country's airspace has been closed, and security is under close observation. The board has stated that player safety remains its highest priority. While there is a possibility of relocating the PSL matches to other venues, logistical challenges, such as costs and security risks, make it unlikely that the tournament will move abroad. However, Doha and Dubai are being considered as alternative venues in case the situation worsens.

With only six matches remaining in the group stage—three in Rawalpindi and one in Multan—the PSL schedule now hangs in uncertainty. The remaining games include the May 13 Qualifier, followed by the Eliminators on May 14 and 16, and the final scheduled for May 18 in Lahore. However, all venues and match timings are now in doubt.

The impact of the political and military tensions has also been felt off the field. Indian broadcasters Sony and FanCode have suspended the airing of PSL matches, meaning Indian fans are now unable to watch the games. This has further amplified the pressure on the tournament, as the political climate continues to overshadow the cricketing event.

As the PSL grapples with these challenges, the future of the remaining matches and the safety of foreign players are now the central concerns for the PCB and organizers.