Since then, tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a dangerous new peak. A recent wave of aerial bombardment has inflicted heavy losses. According to PTV World, reports, air strikes by Pakistani authorities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir have killed at least 31 people. Nearly 60 others have been injured since Wednesday morning. India’s latest military moves come in the wake of a deadly militant ambush of Indian civilians in Kashmir last month. That horrific attack killed 26 innocent civilians.
In response to the attack, India launched a series of air strikes named “Operation Sindoor,” targeting areas believed to harbor militants. India’s finger points immediately at Pakistan, which India charges supports these militants, though Pakistan denies this vehemently. As the conflict flares, Pakistan’s army claimed they had shot down Indian reconnaissance drones over major Pakistani cities, including federal capitol Islamabad.
The quick progression of the conflict has already produced short-term effects on major sporting competitions in the area. An upcoming cricket game between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings has been called off given the ongoing crisis. International flights to Dharamsala’s airport, only two hours from Shimla, have been canceled. This has unintentionally affected the Mumbai Indians, who are currently on a bus trying to reach the venue for their scheduled Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
The UK foreign office has already acted, in light of these recent developments. They have recently called for a ban on all but essential travel within five miles of the international border between Pakistan and India. This advisory particularly affects players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including seven English cricketers: James Vince, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, David Willey, Sam Billings, Luke Wood, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. These players have been in individual negotiations, according to reports, about their return to the UK due to worries over safety.
IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals had an abrupt finish. It was absolutely dire but it was called off after just 10.1 overs due to the floodlights failing. The next one is on Sunday, the Kings vs Mumbai Indians. Due to logistical restrictions induced by the conflict, it has been shifted from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad.
“The venue change has been necessitated due to logistical challenges,” stated India’s cricket board (BCCI).
Concerns about safety extend beyond cricketing events. A senior official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed alarm over the situation, stating, “If Rawalpindi is not safe, Lahore and Karachi are not safe because drones attacked there. Any city of Pakistan is not safe because the drones have targeted smaller cities of Pakistan.”
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