Worldwide cricket gamers from Australia, New Zealand and different nations narrowly escaped a missile strike in Pakistan as army tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dangerously over the disputed Kashmir area.
The incident happened simply hours after Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on what they described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in retaliation for a lethal assault on Hindu vacationers in Indian-controlled Kashmir final month. In response, Pakistan vowed retaliation, resulting in an evening of artillery exchanges and missile launches throughout the border.
Cricketers evacuated from Pakistan amid safety fears
Gamers collaborating within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) 2025, together with Australians – David Warner, Mitchell Owen, Riley Meredith and Ben Dwarshuis – and New Zealanders – Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert and Kane Williamson, had expressed critical issues about their security following the escalation. In keeping with media studies, these gamers departed Pakistan for Dubai simply hours earlier than a reported missile strike hit a close-by air base.
“All New Zealanders concerned in Pakistan’s PSL, together with gamers, coaches, help workers, and commentators, have left Pakistan for Dubai,” confirmed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in a press release. The evacuation was carried out swiftly as safety assessments indicated a quickly deteriorating scenario.
In the meantime, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported that simply hours after abroad gamers departed on a chartered flight, India carried out missile strikes focusing on three Pakistani airbases – together with Nur Khan, the very facility from which gamers, officers, and broadcasters had flown out to the UAE roughly three hours earlier.
The strike on Nur Khan, located close to Pakistan’s army headquarters and round 10 kilometers from Islamabad, reportedly triggered a number of explosions and fires. Native media described scenes of smoke, flames and widespread panic within the surrounding areas.
Additionally READ: ICC Chairman Jay Shah points highly effective tribute to Indian Armed Forces amid India-Pakistan battle
Worldwide stars quickly to depart from India
The disaster additionally affected the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with New Zealand and Australian gamers in India being communicated to return dwelling. The IPL, that includes dozens of worldwide stars, was suspended for one week after the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was deserted as a consequence of a government-mandated blackout and the closure of airports in India’s northwestern hall.
Australian gamers equivalent to Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head, together with coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, will quickly be boarding the flights to their respective cities. New Zealand’s IPL contingent-including Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra and Bevon Jacobs – are additionally both en route dwelling or awaiting out there flights.
Additionally READ: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and different cricketers applaud Indian Armed Forces amid battle with Pakistan
