After the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was announced to be held behind closed doors due to the West Asia conflict, a Pakistan militant group has warned overseas players to withdraw from the league, citing security concerns. The group claimed that the current security environment in Pakistan is unsafe for any peaceful sporting activities. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the PSL will start as scheduled on March 26 at two venues without spectators to conserve resources amid the Gulf war.
Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, an offshoot of the Tehrik-e-Taliban militant group, issued a public statement targeting international cricketers, urging them to withdraw from the PSL immediately. The group highlighted the volatile security climate in Pakistan, stating that it poses risks to the safety of overseas players. They emphasized the need for prioritizing personal security given the current precarious situation in the country.
The militant group expressed strong opposition to hosting cricket matches while significant parts of the country are affected by military operations and civil unrest. They criticized the promotion of a sense of “normalcy” through sporting events while state-sponsored atrocities continue in other regions. The group called for international athletes, especially foreign players, to consider the unsafe environment and withdraw from the tournament due to the ongoing security challenges.
The upcoming PSL 2026 features renowned players like Australia’s David Warner, Steven Smith, and Adam Zampa, England’s Moeen Ali, and New Zealand’s Devon Conway. Despite the PCB’s stringent security measures, there has been no formal link established between the recent changes in the tournament format and the threats issued by the militant group. As the season is set to kick off soon, all eyes are on how the PCB and the international players will address the evolving security situation.
