English cricket stars are ‘split’ over staying in Pakistan amid country’s conflict with India – with players ‘exploring potential routes home’
England cricket stars are split on whether to remain in Pakistan amid the nation’s ongoing conflict with India, according to reports.
Airlines have cancelled or rerouted a number of flights in the wake of India firing missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least six locations.
The strikes, which India claimed were targeting infrastructure used by militants, have reportedly killed eight people and injured 35 others, according to Pakistani security officials.
Currently, there are seven English players who are currently playing in the PSL (Pakistan Super League) – which is due to finish on May 18th.
The Telegraph claim that several of those are exploring their current options and potential routes home, if needed – with fears that the conflict could escalate to war.
The seven English players include James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. There are also a number of English coaches – such as Alexandra Hartley.
England cricket stars are split on whether to remain in Pakistan amid the nation’s ongoing conflict with India (Pictured: Chris Jordan (left) and David Willey (right)
Reports claim several stars are exploring their current options and potential routes home (Pictured: English batsman James Vince)
The outlet continue by claiming, however, that a number of those stars are ‘satisfied’ with the security arrangements and don’t feel a need to leave the competition.
One source told the outlet that there are ‘mixed thoughts and feelings across the group’ – with the PCA ‘working with players’ to discuss their situations.
Meanwhile, the PSL’s official advice to players claims that it is still safe to continue playing in the country.
However, one agent revealed to the outlet that some of the English stars were left ‘twitchy’ over the situation.
‘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.’
There are also 10 English players, including Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler, playing in the Indian Premier League, which runs until May 25.
The update comes amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.
The missiles struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province early Wednesday, according to three Pakistani security officials.
CNN reported three of the targeted locations – Kotli, Muzaffarabad and Bagh – are in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Updated travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) was issued for both countries shortly before 12.30am on Wednesday, May 7.
It advised against all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles of the Line of Control and the Balochistan province of Pakistan.
A statement said: ‘On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
‘In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control. ‘On the night of 6 May (UK Time) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours.
‘There are reports of flights being diverted. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.
‘We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. British nationals should stay up to date with our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.’
