Taliban Terrorist warns about overseas players safety ahead of Pakistan Super league 2026

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistan Taliban, has urged overseas players to withdraw from the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. In a strong statement, the group said that the safety of foreign players “cannot be guaranteed” given the current situation in the country. The PSL has already faced challenges, with matches limited to only two venues and no spectators allowed.

The TTP said, “We want to send a clear message to all participants of the PSL, especially foreign players: the internal security and political situation is unstable and dangerous. With military operations and civil unrest in many areas, the safety of international athletes cannot be ensured.”

The militant group described the PSL as a “mockery” of the lives lost in ongoing state-led violence. While the TTP said it is not against cricket as a sport, it called the tournament an attempt to show normalcy, which they want to challenge.

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PSL 2026 Security Concerns and Tournament Update

The Terrorist group said, “We want to send a clear and urgent message to all participants, especially foreign players: the security and political situation in the country is unstable. With military operations and civil unrest in many areas, international players cannot be kept safe. We strongly advise you to put your safety first and withdraw from the tournament. The environment is not suitable for peaceful sporting activity.”

The TTP clarified that it is not against cricket but is opposing the state’s attempt to show normalcy. “While we are not against healthy sports, we will not accept the state using cricket to cover ongoing violence. The blood of the oppressed cannot be overshadowed by stadium lights, nor should the dignity of our people be used for political appearances,” the statement said.

Originally, PSL 2026 was set to be an expanded season with new teams and matches across six venues. However, due to the ongoing West Asia crisis and Pakistan’s conflict with Afghanistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moved the tournament to Karachi and Lahore.

Top players like David Warner, Steve Smith and Devon Conway are expected to participate. The PSL 2026 opener will see reigning champions Lahore Qalandars face first-timers Hyderabad on March 26 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The 11th season of the PSL features eight franchises, including two new teams. The tournament will run from March 26 to May 3, 2026, with matches across six venues: Lahore (15 matches), Rawalpindi (11), Faisalabad (7), Karachi (6), Multan (4), and Peshawar (1).