What Led to the Cancellation of the PSL Match in Rawalpindi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PSL match cancelled due to drone attack.
- PCB in meetings to discuss future of PSL.
- Foreign players are seeking to leave Pakistan.
- India targeting Pakistan's military assets.
- Options for matches may include Karachi, Doha, and Dubai.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) The Pakistan Super League (PSL) match that was set to feature Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings this Thursday evening at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been abruptly cancelled due to a drone strike. This incident follows the targeting of various air defense radars and systems by the Indian Armed Forces across Pakistan, including in Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously announced that the PSL would continue as scheduled despite the escalating tensions and attacks from India. However, the circumstances have quickly changed following renewed hostilities.
“The cancellation of the PSL match in Rawalpindi has left foreign players in a state of shock. The game was supposed to take place tonight, and many players are now looking to exit the country as soon as they can. The PCB will deliberate on the next steps in consultation with the government,” commented a former Pakistan cricketer to IANS.
In the early hours of May 7, India executed precision strikes on nine high-value terror camps situated across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok), as a retaliation for a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals—25 Indians and one Nepali national.
During the night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted to target several military locations in Northern and Western India, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj using drones and missiles.
On the morning of May 8, India targeted air defense radars at various locations in Pakistan, confirming that the radar in Lahore had been neutralized, according to government statements.
As per reports from Pakistani media, the PCB has convened an urgent meeting with PSL franchises on Thursday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to explore potential solutions for the continuation of the PSL.
Reports from Geo Super indicate that the PCB is considering several alternatives to ensure the smooth running of PSL 10 amid the current national situation, which also includes preparations for an upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh.
Officials from the PCB have proposed relocating all remaining PSL matches to three alternative venues: Karachi, Doha, and Dubai.