Cricket has never existed in isolation from the world around it. But in March 2026, the world has arrived at cricket's door in a way that nobody could have predicted — and both the IPL and PSL are now fighting battles that have nothing to do with runs, wickets, or trophies.
The Middle East is at war. Pakistan's airspace is closed to Indian aircraft. A militant group has warned foreign cricketers to leave Pakistan immediately. And overseas IPL stars are stranded thousands of miles from India, rerouting through Singapore and London to reach a tournament that starts in five days.
Here is the complete picture — from the war that started it all to where both tournaments stand right now.
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