The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been thrust into a state of high-level emergency. The ‘Jamaat-ul-Ahrar’ faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has issued a chilling ultimatum to overseas cricketers, advising them to pull out of the tournament immediately. The group stated that in the current volatile political and security climate, the safety of international athletes cannot be guaranteed.

“We advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players. If something happens, it will not be our responsibility,” a commander of the group reportedly told the media. This threat has reignited fears of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. While PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had already moved the entire league behind closed doors at just two venues—Karachi and Lahore—the direct targeting of foreign stars like Steve Smith and David Warner has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Several international players are now reconsidering their participation just days before the March 26 opener.