England cricketers participating in PSL 2025 are reportedly concerned about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. According to The Telegraph, England players are divided on whether to stay in Pakistan or return home following India’s airstrikes along the Kashmir border.
Pakistan is dealing with the aftermath of India’s successful ‘Operation Sindoor.’ In the early hours of May 7, India carried out precision airstrikes targeting nine high-value terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This move was in retaliation for the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
England Cricketers in PSL Concerned Over India-Pakistan Tensions
Most English cricketers participating in the Pakistan Super League have opted to stay in Pakistan, despite rising tensions, according to The Telegraph. However, some players are exploring options to return home.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has held an emergency meeting to address the situation. Many of the cricketers have expressed confidence in the security arrangements in place and feel there is no immediate need to leave the country.
Seven England players, including Sam Billings, James Vince, Tom Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Luke Wood, are currently involved in the PSL 2025. English coaches, such as Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley, are also present in Pakistan.
On the Assumption Things Have Settled and Air Space Is Opening Up – Agent
England players could face financial losses for leaving Pakistan mid-season, as they are paid per match in the PSL. The group stage of PSL 2025 is set to end on May 11.
An agent representing overseas players in Pakistan stated that, as the situation has settled and security advisors are becoming less concerned.
“On the assumption things have settled and airspace is opening up, the security advisors seem a little relaxed,” an agent, who represents overseas players in Pakistan, told to The Telegraph.
“It’s business as usual, but obviously, if anything else happens in the next 24 hours you’d imagine people will just want to leave. I don’t see – at this moment in time – a huge exodus,” the agent added.
David Willey and Chris Jordan Wish to Leave the Pakistan Super League
According to the report carried by www.telecomasia.net, David Willey and Chris Jordan have informed their franchise, Multan Sultans, that they wish to leave the Pakistan Super League, as their team was eliminated from the playoffs with only one match left in the campaign.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the PSL matches will proceed as scheduled. The final group stage match is set for May 11 in Multan. The Qualifier will be played in Rawalpindi on May 13. The Eliminators and Final will take place on May 14, 16, and 18 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
India accused Pakistan of engaging in cross-border terrorism and responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan denied these accusations and closed its airspace.
Also read: Bangladesh and England Cricket Board release official statement on their players’ future in IPL, PSL