The world of cricket was shaken to its core as international players faced a terrifying ordeal during the abrupt suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, stories of panic, fear, and emotional breakdowns emerged from the heart of the crisis. Among the most striking accounts were those of England’s Tom Curran, who broke down in tears, and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who vowed never to return to Pakistan again.
The Night Cricket Stood Still
The PSL 2025 was dramatically postponed following a surge in military tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision came after missile strikes and terror attacks in the region, leading to immediate safety concerns for all involved. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially considered relocating the tournament to the UAE, but those plans quickly fell through, leaving overseas players scrambling for safety.
What Sparked the Panic?
- Rising military conflict between India and Pakistan, especially after a deadly terror attack in Palalgam.
- The sudden closure of airports and reports of missile strikes near key travel hubs.
- The indefinite suspension of both PSL and IPL, disrupting the cricket calendar and stranding players.
Tom Curran’s Emotional Breakdown
For English fast bowler Tom Curran, the situation became overwhelming. According to Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain, Curran was at the airport when he learned it had been closed due to escalating conflict. The news was too much to bear. Curran reportedly “started crying like a little child,” needing comfort from teammates and officials to regain his composure.
“He (Tom Curran) went to the airport, but heard that the airport was closed. Then he started crying like a little child, that it took two or three people to handle him,” Rishad Hossain recalled.
Daryl Mitchell’s Firm Stand
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was equally shaken. After finally reaching safety in Dubai, Mitchell confided in teammates that he would never return to Pakistan, especially under such dangerous circumstances.
“Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me that he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. Overall, they all were horrified,” Rishad shared.
The Ordeal for All Overseas Players
It wasn’t just Curran and Mitchell who were traumatized. Other foreign stars, including Sam Billings, Kushal Perera, and David Wiese, were also deeply affected. The group was evacuated to the UAE, where they finally felt a sense of relief after learning that a missile had struck the airport just 20 minutes after their departure.
Key Takeaways from the Players’ Experience
- Sheer panic: Players and their families endured sleepless nights, fearing for their safety.
- Emotional distress: Consoling teammates became a priority as the reality of the situation set in.
- Relief upon escape: Only after reaching Dubai did the players begin to process the gravity of what they had escaped.
The Fallout: Cricket and Geopolitics Collide
This harrowing episode is a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can directly impact international sports. The PSL’s suspension and the emotional toll on players highlight the urgent need for robust contingency planning and security protocols for global sporting events.
Why This Matters
- Player safety must always take precedence over commercial or sporting interests.
- International tournaments in conflict zones require constant risk assessments and clear evacuation plans.
- Cricket’s global reputation depends on its ability to protect its athletes, no matter where they play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Tom Curran start crying during the PSL crisis?
Tom Curran broke down in tears at the airport after learning it had been closed due to escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. The fear and uncertainty overwhelmed him, and he needed support from his teammates to cope.
Q2: What did Daryl Mitchell say about returning to Pakistan?
After escaping to Dubai, Daryl Mitchell told teammates he would never return to Pakistan, especially under such dangerous circumstances, citing the trauma of the experience.
Q3: Why was the PSL 2025 postponed?
The PSL 2025 was postponed indefinitely due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, including missile strikes and terror attacks, which raised severe safety concerns for players and officials.
Q4: Were other foreign players affected by the crisis?
Yes, several overseas players-including Sam Billings, Kushal Perera, and David Wiese-were also frightened and traumatized by the situation, with many expressing relief only after safely reaching Dubai.
Q5: What measures are being discussed to protect players in future tournaments?
There is renewed focus on comprehensive security protocols, real-time risk assessments, and clear evacuation plans to ensure the safety of athletes in international sporting events held in volatile regions.
Conclusion
The emotional accounts from Tom Curran and Daryl Mitchell underscore the very real dangers that international athletes can face in conflict zones. As the cricketing world reflects on the PSL 2025 crisis, the message is clear: the safety and well-being of players must always come first. This incident will likely shape how future tournaments are planned and managed, ensuring that the spirit of the game is never overshadowed by fear.