pakistan super league (psl) 2026 It is heading for one of the most uncertain starts ever, with serious concerns emerging just days before the tournament begins on March 26. What was supposed to be a cricket celebration has now been overshadowed by rising geopolitical tensions, especially after the deadly airstrike in Kabul.
Increasing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Kabul air attack
The situation escalated dramatically on the night of 16 March, when Pakistan launched “precision air strikes” under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. According to Pakistani officials, the attacks targeted terrorist infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar, which were reportedly linked to attacks on civilians.
However, Afghan officials have strongly disputed this statement. They claim that the attacks targeted a major civilian facility in Kabul – Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital. Reports suggest that the hospital, which had a capacity of 2,000 beds, was completely destroyed. Officials have said that more than 400 people were killed and about 250 were injured in the incident.
Although Pakistan has denied targeting any civilian structures, the scale of reported casualties has drawn international concern and raised security alarms for foreign players.
Australian team is in a difficult situation before PSL 2026
Despite the tense situation, a total of 17 Australian cricketers and coaches are currently contracted to multiple PSL franchises. Their participation now depends largely on the evolving security situation and government advice.
The uncertainty is particularly impressive given that many of these players are key figures in their respective teams, including globally recognized names and experienced coaches.
One of the biggest concerns is regarding the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi Pindies scheduled on March 28. The match, scheduled to be held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, is now in serious doubt after Australian authorities marked the city as a “do not travel” zone.
Also read: Rashid Khan and other Afghanistan cricketers criticize Pakistan for deadly airstrike in Kabul
Full list of Australian players and coaches in PSL 2026
Multan Sultan
- steve smith – batter
- josh philip -wicketkeeper-batsman
- Peter Siddall – fast bowler
- ashton turner – batter
- tim penn – head coach
Hyderabad Kingsman
- marnus labuschagne – batter
- glen maxwell -all-rounder
- Riley Meredith – fast bowler
- jason gillespie – head coach
karachi kings
- david warner – batter
- adam zampa – spin bowler
Quetta Gladiators
- Sam Harper -wicketkeeper-batsman
- ben mcdermott -wicketkeeper-batsman
Rawalpindi Pindies
- Jake Fraser-McGurk – batter
Peshawar Zalmi
- aaron hardy -all-rounder