Exodus in PSL? English players 'exploring routes home'; Bangladesh board in touch with its players

The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan could adversely impact the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as England players are reportedly exploring routes to return home while Bangladesh is also concerned about the safety of its players. read more

PSL 2025 could lose a number of overseas players if tensions rise between India and Pakistan. Images: PSL

The ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 could witness an exodus of England and Bangladesh players if the conflict between Indian and Pakistan escalates any further. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in touch with its players to ensure their safety, English players playing in PSL are reportedly exploring options to return home.

The tensions between India and Pakistan have been on a high ever since the Pahalgam terror attack last month and intensified even further on Wednesday as India launched a counter-terrorism attack in different areas of Pakistan, dubbed as Operation Sindoor.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

A number of terrorist infrastructure were destroyed by India as it activated a tri-force co-ordinated and precision attack through missiles.

The increase in tension has cast a shadow over the PSL and Indian Premier League (IPL), which is currently underway. Both PSL and IPL have already announced that the league will continue as per the schedule.

Nonetheless, the overseas players are concerned.

English players exploring routes back home

As per the report in the Telegraph, English players in PSL are “satisfied” with the security arrangements, however, a player agent said some of them are “twitchy” over the ongoing conflict.

“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 said.

Seven English players – James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore – are part of PSL, while a number of English coaches are also involved.

10 English players are part of IPL 2025, however, no concerns have been raised by them so far.

BCB in touch with PSL’s Bangladesh players

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is in touch with their players – Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana – who are part of PSL 2025. A report says the players have been given state protocol, but BCB is constantly in touch with its players to ensure their safety and well-being.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is closely monitoring the evolving security situation over the past 24 hours. The safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remain the Board’s top priority,” BCB said in a press release on Wednesday.

“The board has been in regular contact with Bangladesh National Team players Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, who are participating in the ongoing PSL. BCB President Faruque Ahmed is also personally keeping track of the developments and has spoken directly with PSL CEO Salman Naseer and Rishad to ensure the players’ safety and peace of mind,” the release added.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Things, however, can quickly change if another attack is launched by either of the countries, and we could see some of the overseas players leaving for their respective countries.

Click here to read article