David Warner, James Vince & PCB's Mohsin Naqvi in a collage (PC - afp.com)
With the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) set to begin on March 26, many foreign players are expected to travel to the South Asian country. However, with the current chaotic situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, things might get tricky for the league as far as the Australian players are concerned.
Around a dozen of players and coaches are to travel to Pakistan for the PSL 2026, with Steve Smith (Sialkot Stallionz), David Warner (Karachi Kings), Marnus Labuschagne (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Glenn Maxwell (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Riley Meredith (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Ashton Turner (Multan Sultans), Tim Paine (Head Coach, Sialkot Stallionz) and Jason Gillespie (Coach, Hyderabad Kingsmen) are all due to provide their services.
CA worried about Aussies in PSL 2026
However, with the ongoing war, Cricket Australia is currently assessing the situation in Pakistan after its government deemed Peshawar, venue for Peshawar Zalmi versus Rawalpindi Pindiz, as a “do-not-travel” location. Moreover, Rawalpindi, the venue for 11 games this season, is also experiencing heightened security.
Reportedly, the Australian Government has asked the Aussie players not to travel to Peshawar for the Zalmi vs Pindiz clash, and Aaron Hardie and Jake Fraser-McGurk are in the two teams.
Notably, as per Code Sports, Pakistan Cricket Board's Chairperson Mohsin Naqvi has promised CA to evacuate the Aussie contingent using a private jet if needed. The Australians are scheduled to travel to Pakistan later this weekend.
Read More: 3 Pakistan Players Who Could Be Dropped From ODIs After Series Defeat Vs Bangladesh
Pakistan-Afghanistan war might halt PSL 2026
The ongoing war between Pakistan and Afghanistan has both the Asian countries having intense cross-border clashes for over a month. Additionally, the situation in the Middle East is also worrisome because of the Iran-Israel-USA war, escalating tensions around the globe.
Earlier this month, South Africa and the West Indies squads faced troubles while flying home from India after their exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup due to the chaotic situation in the Middle East. The ICC had to plan their departure in phases using private jets.
With the ongoing circumstances, the PCB will have to take proper measures by pulling the tournament out of the cities close to the Afghanistan border.
Late on Monday, reportedly, Pakistan carried out an airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, which killed over 400 individuals. However, the Pakistan Government denied the reports, stating the airstrike was carried out precisely on the "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure".
PSL 2026 set to kickoff!
The PSL 2026 is set to begin on March 26 with the clash between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This edition will be an eight-team tournament.
Apart from the Australian players and coaches, PSL 2026 will host contingents from England, New Zealand, the USA and Sri Lanka.
It is worth mentioning that all eight franchises are yet to begin their official pre-season camps.
Meanwhile, the PCB recently announced the sale of tickets for the 44-match season, which will be hosted across six venues. The final of the PSL 2026 will be held on May 3 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Read More: Josh Hazlewood's RCB Availability In IPL 2026 Detailed
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