International cricket players from Australia, New Zealand and other countries narrowly escaped a missile strike in Pakistan as military tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dangerously over the disputed Kashmir region.
The incident took place just hours after Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on what they described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. In response, Pakistan vowed retaliation, leading to a night of artillery exchanges and missile launches across the border.
Cricketers evacuated from Pakistan amid security fears
Players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, including Australians – David Warner, Mitchell Owen, Riley Meredith and Ben Dwarshuis – and New Zealanders – Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert and Kane Williamson, had expressed serious concerns about their safety following the escalation. According to media reports, these players departed Pakistan for Dubai just hours before a reported missile strike hit a nearby air base.
“All New Zealanders involved in Pakistan’s PSL, including players, coaches, support staff, and commentators, have left Pakistan for Dubai,” confirmed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in a statement. The evacuation was carried out swiftly as security assessments indicated a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported that just hours after overseas players departed on a chartered flight, India carried out missile strikes targeting three Pakistani airbases – including Nur Khan, the very facility from which players, officials, and broadcasters had flown out to the UAE roughly three hours earlier.
The strike on Nur Khan, situated near Pakistan’s military headquarters and around 10 kilometers from Islamabad, reportedly triggered multiple explosions and fires. Local media described scenes of smoke, flames and widespread panic in the surrounding areas.
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International stars soon to depart from India
The crisis also affected the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with New Zealand and Australian players in India being communicated to return home. The IPL, featuring dozens of international stars, was suspended for one week after the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned due to a government-mandated blackout and the closure of airports in India’s northwestern corridor.
Australian players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head, along with coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, will soon be boarding the flights to their respective cities. New Zealand’s IPL contingent-including Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra and Bevon Jacobs – are also either en route home or awaiting available flights.
