New Delhi: Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kabul, Afghanistan, has triggred fresh tensions between the two countries, which might also impact the proceedings of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The deadly strikes killed close to 400 people in Afghanistan, and the conflict is likely to create more problems for PSL, which is already grappling with the possibility of travel disruptions caused by the Iran-Israel-US war.
The Iran-Israel-USA war is likely to jeopardise the travel plans of several foreign cricketers, and whether the entire contingent can travel to Pakistan for the league, which begins on March 26, is in doubt.
Australian cricketers told to stay away from “do not travel” zone
From Australia, Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell are all due to travel to Pakistan for the 2026 PSL. Besides the players, Australian coaches like Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie are also part of the league, which begins two days before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
A report in the Australian publication CODE Sports, as quoted by Times Now, stated that the Australian government has granted permission for the players to travel to Pakistan, but with a caution to stay away from Peshawar, which is just 50 km away from the Afghan border.
Peshawar is scheduled to host a PSL match, but the Australian government has reportedly labelled it a “do not travel” zone due to the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Peshawar Zalmi vs Rawalpindi match in doubt
The security update puts the fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on March 28 in doubt. Both teams boast Australian players on their sides. While Aaron Hardie is with Zalmi, Jake Fraser-McGurk will line up for Pindiz.
The report also stated that Australian players have been assured of evacuation by private flights if needed.
Afghanistani cricketers withdrew their names from the first-ever players’ auction held ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after registering for the tournament initially.