BuzzReport

A Pakistan Super League match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings – involving English players James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood – has been postponed amid mounting tensions between Pakistan and India.

On Wednesday, India attacked Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-administered parts of Kashmir, which a military spokesperson said had killed at least 31 civilians and wounded 46.

India explained its original strikes were in retaliation for the terrorist attack on April 22, in which at least 26 people were shot dead. India accused Pakistan of supporting those behind the attack – an allegation Pakistan has denied.

The hostilities continue to cast doubt over the T20 tournament. A game between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United still took place as scheduled on Wednesday evening but things escalated overnight, with local reports and social media footage suggesting a surveillance drone was downed in the close vicinity of the Rawalpindi stadium.

After emergency meetings, Thursday’s game was postponed. A short statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) read: “The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has decided to reschedule tonight’s HBL PSL X match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings.

“The PCB will announce the revised date in due course.”

There are currently seven English players involved in the PSL: Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Kohler-Cadmore, Vince, David Willey, and Wood.

A total of 15 individuals from the English game, including coaches and media representatives, are in a WhatsApp group and it is understood a group call took place on Wednesday to discuss developments with the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Despite some suggestions the closing stages of the PSL would be cancelled as a result of the attacks, the tournament organisers issued a statement on Wednesday morning confirming it would go ahead. However, as tensions continue to escalate, that may change.

There are just eight fixtures PSL left, with the final scheduled for May 18 in Lahore, but whether a satisfactory conclusion can be agreed remains to be seen.

Doha and Dubai have been mooted as potential venues, but moving the entire tournament at such short notice could be a long shot. It is understood some overseas players, including individuals in the seven-strong English contingent, have been exploring the possibility of leaving early.