Image: New Zealand Cricket monitoring player safety amid rising India-Pakistan military tensions / © IPL.com
After the escalation of military conflict between India and Pakistan, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has issued a security update regarding the safety of over a dozen Kiwi players currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) and Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025). Among those in the region is ex-captain Kane Williamson. Tensions soared after India launched “Operation Sindoor”, a missile strike targeting alleged terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly killing 90 terrorists and causing multiple casualties. In response, Pakistan vowed retaliation, fueling fears of a full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed nations.
NZC confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation and is conducting ongoing security assessments to safeguard players and coaching staff overseas. This also includes the New Zealand “A” team, currently touring Bangladesh for an unofficial ODI series. The cricket board emphasized that it relies on the most updated intelligence to evaluate risk levels and will act if player safety is compromised.
Although evacuation plans haven’t been confirmed, the intensifying geopolitical situation has made the presence of international cricketers in South Asia a growing concern. The developments could significantly disrupt both IPL and PSL schedules if tensions escalate further or foreign boards begin withdrawing players.