Just hours before a scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, a drone — reportedly from India — crashed near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to urgently shift the game to a different venue due to safety concerns.
The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was slated to begin at 8:30 PM local time on Thursday in Rawalpindi. Peshawar Zalmi includes Bangladeshi pacer Nahid Rana in their squad. However, according to a report by Al Jazeera, a drone attack occurred in the stadium vicinity earlier in the morning, leading to heightened security alerts.
In response, the PCB announced that no further PSL matches will be held at Rawalpindi Stadium for now. Discussions are underway to relocate the remaining matches, possibly to Karachi. An emergency meeting was called by the PCB to assess the security situation and determine the way forward for the tournament.
Al Jazeera reported multiple drone strikes across Pakistani cities early Thursday, allegedly launched from India. At least three targeted key areas in Rawalpindi, home to the Pakistani Army’s General Headquarters. One drone reportedly hit a food stall inside the stadium compound.
Currently, five out of six PSL franchises are based in Islamabad. Although the PSL final is scheduled for May 18 in Lahore, the remainder of the tournament could be shifted to Karachi due to growing security concerns.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated into direct conflict in recent weeks. On Wednesday night, India reportedly launched strikes in various parts of Pakistan, prompting retaliatory action from Pakistan. The fallout has also sparked concern for foreign players, including Bangladeshi cricketers Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, who are participating in the PSL.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) released a statement addressing the matter, affirming its close monitoring of the situation“Given the recent security developments in Pakistan, the BCB is keeping a close watch. The safety and well-being of our cricketers in the PSL is our top priority.”
The statement further confirmed that both players are in regular contact with BCB officials. Board President Faruque Ahmed has personally spoken with PSL CEO Salman Naseer and Rishad Hossain to ensure the players feel secure and mentally at ease.
The BCB is also working in close coordination with the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure comprehensive security measures are in place.
