PCB dismisses security concerns for PSL amid Pak-Afghan violence:Australian players to arrive next week, new season starts on 26 March

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed concerns related to the safety and travel of foreign players regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The board says that all arrangements are complete and players from Australia and other countries will arrive in Pakistan as per the scheduled program. Tournament to start from 26 March The 11th season of PSL will start from 26 March in Lahore. The first match will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen. This time, a large number of foreign players, especially Australian cricketers, will participate in the tournament along with domestic players. A PCB source said that the news reports in the media are not correct. There is no concern regarding Australian players coming to Pakistan, and they will start arriving from next week. In recent days, reports had emerged that some players were advised regarding travel due to tensions in the Middle East and the situation on the Afghanistan border. Specifically, concerns were raised about matches to be held in Peshawar, as the city is close to the Afghan border. However, the PCB says that the league has been organized in more challenging situations before, and this time too, preparations have been made keeping all aspects in mind. Steve Smith, Warner, Maxwell among marquee players in PSL 2026 This season, several Australian players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle, and Marnus Labuschagne will be playing. For the first time, 8 teams will participate in the PSL. Also, for the second consecutive year, it will clash with the IPL, which is starting three days after the PSL. Also read: ‘No difference between Israel and Pakistan’: Afghanistan cricketers lash out at Pak after Kabul airstrike, Rashid calls it ‘war crime’ Islamabad and Lahore have three titles each In the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2016 to 2025, Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have been the most successful teams. Both have won the title 3 times each. Islamabad United won the trophy in 2016, 2018, and 2024, while Lahore Qalandars set a record by becoming champions in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Apart from these, the remaining teams, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Peshawar Zalmi, have won the title once each. Multan Sultans won in 2021, Quetta Gladiators in 2019, Karachi Kings in 2020, and Peshawar Zalmi in 2017.