PSL 2026: Australian government advises players against travel to Peshawar after Pakistan’s airstrike on Afghanistan

The Australian Government has granted its players to travel to Pakistan to compete in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) which commences from Thursday, March 26. The government, however, had advised its players to not travel to the city of Peshawar amid the recent conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This comes after around 400 people were killed during Pakistan’s air-strike on the Afghanistan capital of Kabul on Monday, March 16. The conflict and unrest between the two countries puts a question mark over the future of PSL 2026.

Peshawar is the closest major city from the Afghanistan border, being barely 40 to 50 kilometres away. The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, home to the Peshawar Zalmi is set to host just one game during the upcoming PSL season. The venue is set to host Zalmi’s home game against Rawalpindi Pindiz.

Both sides in question have one Australian player in their ranks, as Aaron Hardie is currently with the Peshawar Zalmi squad while Jake Fraser-McGurk was picked up by the Rawalpindi Pindiz. 

According to reports, the Australian players have assurance of quick evacuation via private flights should the situation in the country get any worse. 

Apart from the aforementioned players, a host of other Australian players are set to compete in the 2026 PSL. These include the likes of David Warner, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell amongst others. 

There will be three Australians who will captain a franchise at this year’s PSL. Warner is set to captain the Karachi Kings, Marnus Labuschagne will be leading the new franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Ashton Turner will be captaining Multan Sultans.

Afghanistan players, meanwhile, withdrew from the inaugural PSL auction. It is also worth mentioning that wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulled out of the competition just days after being announced Peshawar Zalmi’s direct signing amid the controversy between the two countries. 

Lahore Qalandars are the defending champions heading into PSL 2026 season. They have won three out of the four titles, with the 2026 final also set to take place in their home ground of Gaddafi Stadium.