In a deeply unsettling turn of events amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium—home to more than 50 international fixtures—was reportedly struck by a drone just hours before a Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings on May 8.
The match, scheduled for an 8 PM start, was suddenly overshadowed by security concerns after videos allegedly showing the aftermath of the drone incident began circulating on social media. While these visuals remain unverified, they have triggered widespread anxiety over the safety of players and fans participating in the ongoing PSL 2025 season.
The timing couldn’t have been more sensitive. With military tensions escalating between India and Pakistan, the drone incident has now prompted a sharp reaction from cricketing authorities. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) immediately convened an emergency meeting to evaluate the evolving security situation.
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Multiple English cricketers involved in the PSL are now reconsidering their participation, with some reportedly eager to leave Pakistan while others are still weighing their options. These developments unfolded against the backdrop of alleged military operations earlier in the day.
An Indian drone has hit Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The stadium is hosting the PSL tournament, where Peshawar and Karachi will be playing tonight at 8:00 PM. pic.twitter.com/MNwoh1kwbl
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) May 8, 2025
#BREAKING 🇵🇰‼️🇮🇳 An unidentified object fell on close shop in a food street in RAWALPINDI, Pakistan.
After Geolocating, the location is right next Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium where currently Pakistan Super league matches are held.
Reportedly one person got injured. pic.twitter.com/jzPQNfli4O
— Monitor𝕏 (@MonitorX99800) May 8, 2025
Drones strike in Rawalpindi. Strikes happened near Rawalpindi Stadium.
Nowhere is beyond the reach of the Indian armed forces. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rzodTlYsqr
— Sid 🇮🇳 (@sidduu96) May 8, 2025
भारत के drone ने Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium को हिला दिया💥#OperationSindoor #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/hGXC6JJioB
— Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) May 8, 2025
According to media reports, Islamabad launched targeted airstrikes on 15 Indian military installations. In retaliation, India reportedly struck Pakistani air defense radar systems in Lahore. Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that drones were intercepted across key cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
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This latest episode follows a deadly attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, two weeks ago, where Indian authorities accused Pakistan of aiding a terror strike on civilians—a claim Islamabad has strongly rejected. Since then, the two nations have engaged in frequent cross-border skirmishes.
As tensions mount between the nuclear-armed rivals, international observers are now urging restraint, warning that any further escalation could tip the region into dangerous, uncharted territory.
