Australian players advised to avoid Peshawar over security concerns

Australian players have reportedly been warned against travelling to Peshawar amid regional tensions as fresh security concerns have cast a shadow over the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Australian government has permitted players to travel to Pakistan but has designated Peshawar as a "do not travel" zone due to the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan, CODE Sports reported, cited by Times Now.

The warning has immediately raised doubts about the scheduled fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi, set for the Arbab Niaz Stadium on 28 March.

Both sides feature Australian cricketers, with Aaron Hardie representing Zalmi and Jake Fraser-McGurk part of the Rawalpindi squad.

Reports further claim that Australian players have been assured emergency evacuation via private flights if the situation deteriorates.

The uncertainty has deepened following reports of escalating violence in Afghanistan, including air strikes that have reportedly caused significant casualties in Kabul.

The fallout has already impacted player participation.

Several Afghanistan stars, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Fazalhaq Farooqi, withdrew from the PSL player pool despite initially registering for the draft.

Their withdrawal reportedly followed backlash surrounding the direct signing of Rahmanullah Gurbaz by Zalmi.

The situation has placed the PSL under growing pressure just days before its scheduled start on 26 March.

Several high-profile Australian players, including Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, are expected to feature in the tournament.

Australian coaches Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie are also involved with PSL franchises.

With the Indian Premier League 2026 set to begin just two days later, the PSL now faces a critical test.