‘Twitchy' English players split on staying in Pakistan amid India conflict
India's actions followed an attack by Islamist militants on Hindu tourists that killed 26 people in Indian Kashmir two weeks ago. With fears the conflict could escalate into war between the nations, the English contingent in Pakistan Super League face a decision over whether to remain in the country.
The England & Wales Cricket Board and Professional Cricketers Association held an emergency call on Wednesday morning to discuss the situation. At this stage players are not being advised to come home. While most players are currently intending to remain in Pakistan, Telegraph Sport understands several are exploring their options and could return home.
A total of seven English players – James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore – are playing in this year's PSL, which is due to finish on May 18. There is also a sprinkling of English coaches, including Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley.
As things stand, the bulk of this group are expected to stay in Pakistan. Several of the English contingent told Telegraph Sport that they are satisfied with the security arrangements and advice and see no need to leave the competition.
'It's fine for now – we are safe,' said one England international cricketer.
Any players leaving the tournament early would face a financial blow, with the fees for the competition paid per game. But the financial damage would be relatively minimal, with teams in the competition having only one or two of their group games remaining.
The group stage concludes on May 11, so some players exploring their options might be unable to get flights out of the country before then.
The official advice to players from the PSL is that it is safe to continue playing. The bulk of overseas players are expected to stay in the country.
'On the assumption things have settled and air space is opening up, the security advisors seem a little relaxed,' said one agent who represents several overseas players in Pakistan.
He admitted some players were 'twitchy' about continuing to play in the tournament. 'It's business as usual but obviously if anything else happens in the next 24 hours you'd imagine people will just want to leave.
'I don't see – at this moment in time – a huge exodus.'
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