New Zealand players airlifted out of IPL and PSL? NZC updates after India-Pakistan war escalates
Published - 07 May 2025, 11:34 AM | Updated - 07 May 2025, 03:04 PM
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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said that they are closely watching the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, where over a dozen Kiwi players—including former captain Kane Williamson—are currently playing in the Pakistan Super League 2025 and Indian Premier League 2025.
The reaction from the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) came after India launched missile strikes on what it described as non-military “terrorist” targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 90 terrorists and several casualties.
New Zealand Cricket on alert as India-Pakistan tensions escalate
In response, Pakistan has reportedly vowed retaliation, intensifying fears of war between the two nuclear-armed nations of the Asian region. The situation has raised serious concerns for the safety of international players across the world in India and Pakistan, and even Bangladesh.
However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed it is aware of the developments and is keeping a close eye on the war-like situation between the two countries, as their players are currently playing in the PSL 2025, IPL 2025, and an unofficial ODI series against Bangladesh A.
Security assessments are current and ongoing: NZC
The NZC said in a statement, “NZ Cricket is aware of the relevant reports. We continue to assess the security environment for our players and coaching staff in all overseas environments to ensure they're in receipt of the most updated advice.”
The statement added, “This includes our national men's A team in Bangladesh and New Zealanders involved in both the IPL and the PSL. These security assessments are current and ongoing.”
Notably, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Bevon Jacobs, and Mitchell Santner are currently in India for the ongoing IPL 2025. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are part of the Chennai Super Kings, while Bevon Jacobs, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner are plying their trade for the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL season.
On the other hand, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Kane Williamson, and Colin Munro are presently participating in the ongoing PSL 2025 in Pakistan. Apart from them, the New Zealand A squad is in Bangladesh for their unofficial ODI series.
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BCCI mulls full boycott of Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack
Meanwhile, India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral cricket series in over a decade, with the two teams facing each other only in the ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. Now, after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 innocent lives, the BCCI is reportedly considering a full boycott of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
With diplomatic ties between the two countries breaking down further, the possible boycott may extend beyond senior men’s cricket to include women’s and youth teams as well. Even Bangladesh could also face consequences from the BCCI after a senior official from the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, issued an online threat against India following the Pahalgam attack.
As the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled for later this year, the BCCI is considering action against Bangladesh, along with Pakistan, due to rising political tensions. India's planned tour of Bangladesh, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is before the Asia Cup 2025, may be called off over security concerns and the worsening political situation in the subcontinent.
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