Drone Attack: Rawalpindi cricket stadium damaged ahead of PSL match, reports several social media handles

As per viral social media reports, a drone crashed near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The incident occurred just hours before a scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, heightening security concerns amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Several reports also claimed that the PSL is likely to be shifted to Karachi after this attack.

As per the report, the crash partially damaged a restaurant building near the stadium. Local Pakistan reports stated that authorities have sealed the area and are investigating the drone’s origin and whether it was carrying any payload. The two injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Visuals from the site have circulated widely on social media platforms.

PSL match scheduled at venue

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was scheduled to host the Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings match on May 8 at 8 p.m. The drone crash has raised questions about player and spectator safety during the tournament.

Earlier, The Telegraph reported that England’s players participating in the PSL were divided on whether to continue in the country or return home. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) conducted an emergency meeting to assess the security situation.

Explosions reported in Lahore and Karachi

Separately, multiple explosions were reported in the cities of Lahore and Karachi on Thursday. Three blasts occurred in Lahore’s Walton Road area, causing residents to flee in panic. Clouds of smoke were seen across the city as emergency services responded.

Commercial flights at Lahore and Sialkot airports were een suspended until noon on Thursday due to the escalating border situation.

Indian Defence Ministry confirms strikes

In a press statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Defence Ministry of India said: “This morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.”