Militant Warning Casts Shadow Over PSL, Foreign Players Urged to Stay Away

The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled to begin on March 26, is set to go ahead under heightened security concerns following a warning issued by an armed group in Pakistan.

In a statement, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), including its Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction, advised foreign players to reconsider their participation, citing the country’s current security situation. The message, attributed to spokesperson Asad Mansoor, referenced unrest in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and criticised the staging of a major sporting event amid ongoing tensions. The statement suggested that prevailing conditions could pose challenges to the safe conduct of international sporting activities.

While such warnings have surfaced in the past, this one directly addressed overseas cricketers, urging them to prioritise their safety. The remarks have added to existing concerns around the tournament, though authorities have reiterated that extensive security arrangements remain in place. Despite the backdrop, Australian cricketer Steve Smith has arrived in Pakistan to join Multan Sultans and is set to feature in the league for the first time.

At the same time, some overseas players have withdrawn from the PSL and opted to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins on March 28. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka are among those who have made the switch, while Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk had earlier pulled out citing personal reasons.

Separately, the tournament will be conducted without spectators due to a nationwide fuel conservation drive. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that all matches will be held behind closed doors at venues in Karachi and Lahore, instead of the originally planned multi-city schedule.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the move aligns with government measures to limit travel and conserve fuel amid broader regional challenges affecting energy supplies. The opening ceremony has been cancelled, and ticket holders have been offered refunds.

With teams arriving under tight security and revised logistics in place, PSL 2026 will proceed in a controlled environment, as organisers look to ensure the tournament runs smoothly despite the prevailing circumstances.