PCB reacts after Australian players allegedly get 'do not travel' alert for a Pakistan city in PSL

The Australian government has cleared its players to travel to Pakistan for the PSL, but with a strict warning in place.

Updated on: Mar 18, 2026, 06:34:06 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has played down worries around overseas players travelling for the upcoming Pakistan Super League, despite tensions rising across the Gulf and along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The tournament is still set to feature a sizeable foreign contingent, including a number of Australians. That said, the situation remains fluid. Several Australian players are expected to take part, but developments in the region could yet influence plans. Concerns have grown following recent airstrikes in Kabul, where more than 400 people have lost their lives, adding to the uncertainty.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are amongst Australian players to participate in PSL 2026. (REUTERS)

Recently, an Australian media outlet, Code Sports, reported that players and support staff have already been briefed on potential security risks, including disruptions caused by conflict and possible travel hurdles. Big names like Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to take part, but the final call may depend on how the situation unfolds in the coming days. The Australian government has cleared its players to travel to Pakistan for the PSL, but with a strict warning in place. They’ve been told to avoid Peshawar, which is set to host just one game. The city has been marked a “do not travel” area due to the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a source told PTI that reports of Australian players being uneasy about travelling were wide of the mark, despite the situation in the Middle East and the strain along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

"All travel arrangements and plans are in place and we will have all the Australian players who have signed for the PSL 11 start arriving from next week," the source told PTI.

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Labuschagne, Warner and Turner captains in PSL

The PSL will, for the first time, feature eight teams instead of six and, for the second successive year, will clash with the Indian Premier League, which kicks off three days after the tournament.

Marnus Labuschagne has been handed the captaincy of the Hyderabad Kingsmen after joining the side as a direct signing. With this move, he becomes the third Australian to lead a team in this year’s Pakistan Super League, following David Warner at Karachi Kings and Ashton Turner at Multan Sultans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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