PSL Foreign Players Return Home Fearing for Safety amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Several foreign cricketers who had travelled to Pakistan to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have expressed deep fear and anxiety, choosing to return to their home countries amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. According to reports, the players prayed fervently for a safe exit from Pakistan. This development was revealed by PSL participant Rasheed Hussain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) organized the PSL as a counterpart to the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), intending to hold it concurrently. Like the IPL, the PSL features teams from various Pakistani cities and includes participation from foreign players. This year, the PCB had planned to stage the tournament alongside the IPL.

Among the players who had arrived in Pakistan for the league were Rasheed Hussain, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Kusal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran. However, due to the mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, the PSL was cancelled. Consequently, a significant number of cricketers departed for their home countries.

Speaking to the media at the Dubai airport while on his way to Bangladesh, Rasheed Hussain described the intense fear experienced by foreign players in Pakistan. “All the foreign players participating in the PSL were extremely frightened,” he said.

Rasheed Hussain disclosed that Daryl Mitchell told him he would never return to Pakistan again in his life. He further shared that Tom Curran was overwhelmed with fear, uncertain whether he would even make it home safely. “He cried uncontrollably, and it was very difficult to console him,” Rasheed said. He added that their families were extremely worried and that it was only by God’s grace they managed to escape unharmed.