Full list of Australian stars in PSL 2026 amid security and travel concerns

11^th The edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled to begin from March 26 in Lahore. With the increasing number of overseas talents, especially stars from Australia, and the addition of some new franchises, the upcoming season is expected to be more competitive.

Ahead of the opening match of PSL 11, the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf countries and Pakistan’s conflict with Afghanistan have raised concerns over the travel plans of foreign players for the league. This season, a large number of Australian stars are set to join their respective PSL teams.

PSL franchises show confidence in Australian stars

PSL 2021 season winners Multan Sultans have the highest number of Australian stars in their squad. Star cricketers like Steve Smith, Josh Philippe, Peter Siddle and Ashton Turner will play for them, while former international keeper-batsman Tim Paine has been appointed as the head coach of the team.

Hyderabad Kingsmen, one of the new entrants in the league, have appointed Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne as their captain for the upcoming season. They have increased the strength of their team by including Glenn Maxwell and Riley Meredith as their key overseas players. Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie is the head coach of Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators have a pair of Australian cricketers. The Kings have David Warner and Adam Zampa, while the Gladiators have secured the services of Sam Harper and Ben McDermott. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie and Max Bryant will play for Rawalpindi Pindiz, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United respectively.

Concern about travel schedule amid war situation

But will foreign cricketers be able to go to Pakistan safely from their respective countries amid these hot conditions? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed all doubts over the itinerary.

“A PCB source has denied reports that Australian players had reservations about traveling to the country due to rising tensions in the Middle East and Pakistan’s border tensions with neighboring Afghanistan,” Moneycontrol reported.

“All travel arrangements and plans are in place, and we will have all the Australian players signed for PSL 11 starting to arrive next week,” the source said.

Despite assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board, concerns remain. It was further claimed that the Australian government had advised its players not to travel to Peshawar due to Pakistan’s conflict with Afghanistan. Peshawar will be arranged to host only one match in the upcoming season of the league.

List of Australian stars who have participated in the franchise league:

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