New Zealand Players’ Safety Sought By NZC Amidst India-Pakistan War Escalation

With more than a dozen New Zealand players, including former captain Kane Williamson, presently competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) and Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that they are keeping a close eye on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Following India's missile strikes on what it claimed were non-military "terrorist" targets within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 90 terrorists and injured numerous others, the New Zealand Cricket Club (NZC) responded.

Fears of conflict between the two nuclear-armed Asian countries have increased as a result of Pakistan's apparent pledge of vengeance. The state of affairs has sparked grave worries about the security of foreign players in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.

Security is being assessed in both countries: New Zealand Cricket

New Zealand Cricket (NZC), whose players are presently participating in the PSL 2025, IPL 2025, and an unofficial ODI series against Bangladesh A, has acknowledged that it is aware of the developments and is closely monitoring the warlike situation between the two nations.

“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."

"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,” the New Zealand Cricket statement read.

NZ Cricket "we are 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. This includes our national men's A team in Bangladesh, and New…

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) May 7, 2025

For the current IPL 2025, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Bevan Jacobs, and Mitchell Santner are in India. In the current IPL season, Bevon Jacobs, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner are playing for the Mumbai Indians, while Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are with the Chennai Super Kings.

However, the current PSL 2025 in Pakistan is being played by Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Kane Williamson, and Colin Munro. The New Zealand A team is in Bangladesh for their unofficial ODI series, aside from them.

BCCI mulling boycott of all cricket with Pakistan after Pahalgam attack

According to reports, the BCCI is now thinking of boycotting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in its entirety following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent people.

Given the ongoing deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the potential boycott might not only affect senior men's cricket but also women's and youth teams.

Following the Pahalgam attack, a prominent official from the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, threatened India online, raising the possibility that Bangladesh would also be subject to BCCI sanctions.

India tour of Bangladesh in threat

The BCCI is thinking of taking measures against Bangladesh and Pakistan because of the escalating political tensions ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 later this year.

Due to security concerns and the deteriorating political climate on the subcontinent, India may decide to cancel its scheduled visit to Bangladesh, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is before the Asia Cup 2025.

Also Read: IPL, PSL Future Decided, BCCI-PCB Put Official Statements Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions