Cricket West Indies Monitoring the Safety of Players Amid Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is actively monitoring the safety of its players currently participating in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid the growing geopolitical crisis caused by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to run until May 25, has seen a significant presence from the Caribbean, with eight players participating. These players represent a mix of veteran talent and rising stars. Among them are Jamaica’s Andre Russell and Rovman Powell, who play for the Kolkata Knight Riders alongside Sunil Narine. Nicholas Pooran and Shamar Joseph are with the Lucknow Super Giants, while Shimron Hetmyer represents the Rajasthan Royals. Romario Shepherd is competing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sherfane Rutherford is playing for the Gujarat Titans.

The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan has heightened concerns, especially with the volatility of the situation affecting air traffic and security in key cities where IPL matches are being played.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), now in its 10th season, also features a notable contingent of West Indian cricketers. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder is at Islamabad United, while Gudakesh Motie and Shai Hope represent the Multan Sultans. Alzarri Joseph is playing for Peshawar Zalmi, and Akeal Hosein is with the Quetta Gladiators.

Cricket West Indies has made it clear that they are in constant communication with the players participating in both leagues. In a statement, CWI said, “The welfare of our people remains our highest priority.”

The regional governing body, which says it has been liaising with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all involved, went on to add “CWI continues to receive regular updates through diplomatic, governmental, and cricketing channels, and stands ready to offer assistance where necessary,” they added. “We remain committed to the spirit of international cricket and to supporting our players through this uncertain and sensitive period.”

The escalating tension between India and Pakistan has already affected the IPL, with one match scheduled in Dharamsala being relocated after several airports, including Dharamsala’s, were temporarily shut down.

In Pakistan, the situation is equally tense. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been forced to reschedule some of the remaining PSL matches after a drone fell within the Rawalpindi Stadium complex, which was set to host the match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi. The PCB confirmed that the drone, along with others downed across the country, was believed to have originated from India, though India claims these were in response to Pakistan’s military actions in the region.

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