Australian cricketer Sean Abbott has described his recent escape from Pakistan as "quite traumatic," shedding light on the tense circumstances that led to the abrupt suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Abbott, who represented the Quetta Gladiators in the tenth season of the PSL, was among several international cricketers who were hastily evacuated from the country amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

The situation reached a critical point when Indian forces targeted the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the very same facility from which Abbott and his teammates had departed just hours earlier on a chartered flight to Dubai. The airbase was struck as part of Operation Sindoor, which India launched in response to perceived escalations from Pakistan, targeting areas believed to harbor military assets and terrorist groups.

Abbott recounted the unsettling experience, noting that the gravity of the situation didn't fully sink in for some until they landed in Dubai and their phones began buzzing with news of the events unfolding in Pakistan. He described the feeling as "pretty full on" and acknowledged that the experience was different for everyone involved. He mentioned that upon landing in Dubai, the team learned a drone was shot down about 20 minutes before their arrival as well as learning of the attack on the airbase they departed from.

Adding to the sense of urgency and unease, the players were forced to leave much of their kit and luggage behind in their hasty departure. This detail underscores the seriousness of the situation and the prioritization of personal safety above all else. While Abbott and several other Australian players, including Ben Dwarshuis, Ashton Turner, and Mitch Owen, managed to leave on the charter flight, other international cricketers also expressed fear and reluctance to return to Pakistan under such circumstances.

Despite the unsettling experience, Abbott expressed a desire to return to Pakistan in the future, acknowledging that the PSL itself was a "great experience." He valued the opportunity to experience Pakistani culture, something he hadn't had much chance to do before. Abbott's positive sentiments toward the tournament and the country highlight the complexities of the situation, where personal experiences and professional opportunities intersect with geopolitical realities.

Abbott's focus remains on playing as much cricket for Australia as possible. He is preparing for potential opportunities, including the upcoming West Indies tour. He also mentioned exploring the possibility of playing county cricket to prepare himself for Test cricket.