Serious security fears loom over the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 even days before its start on March 26. Against such backdrop, Australian cricketer Steve Smith arrived in Lahore on Monday.
Before his arrival, the Pakistani armed outfit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar gave a warning asking international players to not participate in the league. Videos uploaded on social media showed Smith arriving at Lahore airport amidst unprecedented security.
He was flanked by several security personnel as high level security is likely to be ensured in the country for the foreign cricketers involved in the tournament. Smith's decision to fly in and join his team is considered a gutsy move considering the tense situation.
Steve Smith Ignores Warning, Arrives Under Heavy Security
The armed outfit earlier issued a warning to foreign players. Asking them to "withdraw immediately" from PSL 2026 as per current scenario of the country.
A commander of the group told The Sunday Guardian, "We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already issued our warning."
The group also went ahead to announce that they would try their best to prevent the tournament from taking place and players from participating.
However, even before such warnings, Smith went on with his decision and has now landed in Lahore which confirms the event still to go underway.
PCB Faces Player Pullouts and Contract Issues
Beyond security threat the PCB is also facing other hurdles of the tournament. According to sources some international cricketers have already backed out at the last minute.
Also a section of players are demanding more money given the "fragile situation" and heightened risk factors. Also ongoing conflict in the West Asia is cited as another reason.
Meanwhile some players have also abandoned their PSL contracts for their stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is scheduled to kick off just two days after the start of the PSL.
For now, PCB are geared towards a scheduled commencement of the tournament with no clarification on any penal actions on the withdrawn/contract-breakers as of now.
The approaching PSL 2026 event is facing one of the toughest challenge even before the start with security fears and withdrawing players.