Security Alert as Drone Crashes Near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Ahead of PSL Match
Drone Incident Causes Alarm Before PSL 2025 Match
A major security alert was issued near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, May 8, just hours before a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 game featuring Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. Reports indicate that an Indian drone crashed into a shop in the nearby Food Street area, resulting in property damage and injuries to several individuals.
As per local news reports, the drone collided with a tree before crashing into the store, breaking windows and injuring a few civilians who required hospitalization. The incident sparked panic in the vicinity, especially with the PSL match scheduled for that day.
Watch the video here:
🚨 Breaking News 🇮🇳
An Indian drone has struck Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, causing significant disruption ahead of tonight’s scheduled PSL match between Peshawar and Karachi.
pic.twitter.com/fheAMaHll2
— desi sigma (@desisigma) May 8, 2025
PSL 2025 Matches Moved Following Drone Incident
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, Director General of ISPR, confirmed that multiple Indian drones were intercepted and shot down in various locations across Pakistan, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Karachi, Chakwal, Attock, Rawalpindi, Chhor, and Mianwali. Security forces quickly responded to the crash site, cordoning off the area and collecting debris for investigation.
The DG ISPR also reported injuries among Pakistan Army personnel in Lahore, with one civilian fatality in Sindh province attributed to drone strikes. He noted significant damage inflicted on Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC). In response, security measures have been intensified in the affected regions, although the Indian government has dismissed Pakistan's assertions.
Following the drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the resulting damage, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held an emergency meeting. After assessing the situation, the PCB decided to relocate all remaining PSL 2025 matches from Rawalpindi to Karachi.
The match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi, initially set for May 8 in Rawalpindi, has also been moved to Karachi. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans following the unexpected drone attack near the stadium.
The future of the tournament will depend on how the security situation evolves in the coming days. For now, all PSL 2025 matches will take place in Karachi under strict security protocols.