Foreign players playing in the PSL are stuck in Pakistan after the Indo-Pakistan War started, as Pakistan launched the drone attack, then attacked Indian civilians, prompting the Indian Army to strike back.
The increasing tension between Pakistan and India has impacted many things, including cricket. Some foreign players participating in PSL 2025 are now stranded in Pakistan after the nation shut down its airspace and suspended international flights.
Due to the unsafe environment, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift the remaining PSL matches to the UAE. But numerous overseas cricketers are still waiting to return home.
Drone Attack at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Just before a PSL match was about to take place, a drone attack hit the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, according to several reports shared on social media. The stadium was damaged, and the area was quickly sealed off for safety.
This attack made it clear that it was no longer safe to continue the tournament in Pakistan. The PCB immediately began shifting players and officials to safer locations, confirming the decision to move all remaining PSL 2025 matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Foreign Players Stuck in Pakistan (Team-Wise Table)
Here is a table showing the list of foreign players who are currently in Pakistan:
| Team | Country | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | Australia | Matthew Short, Riley Meredith, Ben Dwarshuis |
| New Zealand | Colin Munro | |
| South Africa | Rassie van der Dussen | |
| USA | Andries Gous | |
| West Indies | Jason Holder | |
| Karachi Kings | Afghanistan | Mohammad Nabi |
| Australia | David Warner | |
| Bangladesh | Litton Das | |
| England | James Vince | |
| New Zealand | Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Kane Williamson | |
| Lahore Qalandars | Bangladesh | Rishad Hossain |
| England | Sam Billings, Tom Curran | |
| Namibia | David Wiese | |
| Sri Lanka | Kusal Perera | |
| New Zealand | Daryl Mitchell | |
| Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza | |
| Multan Sultans | England | David Willey, Chris Jordan |
| New Zealand | Michael Bracewell | |
| West Indies | Gudakesh Motie, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope | |
| Ireland | Josh Little | |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Afghanistan | Najibullah Zadran |
| Australia | Max Bryant | |
| Bangladesh | Nahid Rana | |
| England | Tom Kohler-Cadmore | |
| South Africa | Lizaad Williams | |
| West Indies | Alzarri Joseph | |
| Quetta Gladiators | New Zealand | Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson |
| South Africa | Rilee Rossouw | |
| Sri Lanka | Wanindu Hasaranga | |
| West Indies | Akeal Hosein |
PCB Moves PSL to UAE
After the drone attack and security threats in Pakistan, the PCB decided to move all remaining PSL matches to the UAE. Matches will likely be held at Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where many past PSL games have been hosted safely.
Even the BCCI suspended the IPL matches for an indefinite time after the Pakistan attack on India on May 8, when the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was going on at the Dharamshala venue, which was stopped midway, and training was allotted for the IPL players and the members.
What the PCB Is Doing Now
The PCB is working with different governments to arrange special flights for the foreign players stuck in Pakistan. All players are reported to be safe and protected in secure hotels. Their departure will depend on when the airspace is open and travel is allowed again.
FAQs
Q. What happened at Rawalpindi Stadium?
A. A drone attack damaged the stadium before a PSL match. No injuries were reported, but the match was canceled, and the stadium was secured.
Q. Are the foreign players safe?
A. All foreign players are safe and under high-level security in their hotels.
Q. Why was PSL moved to the UAE?
A. Due to safety concerns and the drone attack, it was no longer safe to continue the tournament in Pakistan.
