Veteran New Zealand batter Martin Guptill has confirmed his return to Pakistan for the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. Guptill, who retired from international cricket in January this year, joins the league not as a player but as part of the official commentary panel.
The PSL resumed on Friday, May 17, with the match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi — the first game since the league was halted on May 7 due to rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Guptill’s comeback coincides with growing apprehension among foreign players about participating in the tournament under the current security circumstances.
His return also came just days after reports emerged that his former New Zealand teammate, Daryl Mitchell, vowed never to return to Pakistan. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain told Cricbuzz that many foreign players, including Mitchell, Sam Billings, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran, were “frightened” and “relieved” to have exited Pakistan safely and landed in Dubai. “They were all horrified,” said Rishad.
Despite these concerns, PSL organizers chose to resume the league in Pakistan rather than shift it to the UAE, which was previously considered as a backup plan. Eight matches remain this season, culminating with the final on May 25 — a week later than originally scheduled.
Notably, several international stars have returned to participate in the resumed PSL fixtures. Saturday’s game saw Karachi Kings fielding their captain David Warner alongside Ben McDermott, James Vince, and Mohammad Nabi. Peshawar Zalmi featured Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Max Bryant, and Luke Wood. Their presence has brought renewed excitement and credibility to the remainder of the tournament.
The four remaining group matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground. The playoffs and final are set to take place in Lahore. On Sunday, a day-game between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators will be followed by an evening fixture, with night matches scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM local time.
Guptill’s return to Pakistan, despite the geopolitical concerns and ongoing security questions, sends a signal of confidence in the tournament’s arrangements. It remains to be seen how many more foreign players will continue to participate, but for now, the PSL is back on track — at least on the field.
