The Australian government has advised its cricketers participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 not to visit Peshawar, designating the city
as a "do not travel" zone amid heightened security concerns.
This development comes just days before the tournament's start on March 26, 2026, casting uncertainty over player participation and match logistics.
Reports from Australian outlet CODE Sports indicate that while the government has granted conditional clearance for Australian players to travel to Pakistan overall, Peshawar has been flagged due to its proximity to the Afghanistan border and recent escalations in the region. Tensions surged following Pakistan's airstrikes on Kabul, which reportedly killed over 400 people, intensifying cross-border conflict risks.
Peshawar is scheduled to host only one PSL match this season, at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi Pindiz.
This fixture directly affects Australian players - Aaron Hardie with Peshawar Zalmi and Jake Fraser-McGurk with Rawalpindi. If the advisory holds, these players could miss the game, or arrangements might be made to relocate it, though no official changes have been confirmed yet.
PSL 2026: Australian Players in Action
Top Australia players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to feature in the PSL, alongside coaches such as Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie. The advisory has sparked discussions on broader participation, with players briefed on risks including potential travel disruptions and conflict-related issues. Contingency plans reportedly include emergency evacuation via private charter flights if the situation deteriorates.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has downplayed the concerns, with sources refuting claims of widespread apprehension among foreign players. A PCB insider emphasized that security measures remain robust, and the league is proceeding as planned, highlighting Pakistan's successful hosting of international cricket in recent years despite past challenges.
This isn't the first time geopolitical factors have influenced overseas player involvement in the PSL. The league has worked hard to attract top talent by improving security protocols and venue rotations. However, the specific "do not travel" label for Peshawar underscores ongoing sensitivities near volatile borders.
