The Pakistan Super League (PSL) continues to face turbulence ahead of its much-anticipated restart, with reports suggesting that New Zealand’s Kane Williamson is unlikely to return to Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns. The league, which kicked off its tenth edition in Karachi on April 11, had its momentum disrupted following a drone strike near Rawalpindi Stadium.
The incident occurred on May 8, prompting the postponement of a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. Initially, there were plans to shift the remainder of the tournament to the United Arab Emirates but the league was instead put on hold the following day.
As uncertainty swirled around the participation of international players, former Australian opener David Warner expressed his commitment to returning to Pakistan to play out the season with Karachi Kings, according to statements he gave to an Australian publication.
However, reports from Pakistani media indicated a contrasting sentiment among New Zealand players. A group of eight, including former captain Kane Williamson, appeared reluctant to travel back despite being offered reassurances about their safety.
Amid these developments, a breakthrough came as both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, allowing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to announce the resumption of the league. The PSL chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared via social media that the tournament will resume on May 17 and conclude with the final on May 25, with all six teams continuing as scheduled.
The remaining four group-stage matches are set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the playoffs and the final will be held in Lahore, as per an official release from the PCB.
Meanwhile, across the border, the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), which was also paused due to escalating tensions between the two nations, is slated to resume this Saturday. As both the leagues navigate the aftermath of geopolitical conflict, concerns over player participation and safety remain at the forefront of the cricketing world’s attention.
