In the wake of India’s targeted military attacks in Operation Sindoor a retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead there have been increasing concerns among foreign participants of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), especially the English players. The attack was targeted at Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir, this has raised safety concerns and English Players are rethinking about continuing their participation in the PSL.
English Players Wanting To Quit PSL
Even though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured that the PSL will proceed as planned, concerns regarding an intensifying war between Pakistan and India have prompted some English cricketers to make arrangements to leave the tournament prematurely. ISome of the players are Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sam Billings, James Vince, Tom Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, and Luke Wood, who are all representing different PSL teams.
Both David Willey and Chris Jordan have apprised their franchise, Multan Sultans, of their wish to head back home, as per a report by Telecom Asia. Their team is out of the playoff race with only one game left, so the decision is easier from a cricketing perspective.
ECB Keeping Situation Under Close Watch
Sources named in the report indicate that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) are keeping close communication with the players. Although there has been no official directive to pull out thus far, a shift in the UK government’s travel warning might change that stance rapidly.
India Strikes At Pakistan With Operation Sindoor
Early on May 7, Indian military forces carried out simultaneous air and missile attacks on nine suspected terror installations on the border in Pakistan and PoK. The locations were said to be linked to proscribed terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Indian armed forces were said to have taken care not to target any civilian targets or Pakistani military installations, reflecting a measured and controlled response, even after the provocation.
The attacks were carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam, Kashmir terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali national. The attack has prompted increased alert and diplomatic tension in South Asia, with wider implications for sporting events and international travel across the region.
(With IANS Inputs)
