The 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) began today (Friday) with an unexpected cloud of worry. A fire broke out at a high-end hotel in Islamabad where many players and team staff were staying.  The situation was quickly brought under control, and no one was injured.

The incident happened at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, where many foreign and local PSL players were staying before the first game of the event.  The fire is said to have started in the late afternoon on the seventh-floor rooftop of the hotel.

Samaa TV reported that firemen got to the scene of the accident quickly and put out the fire within 30 minutes.  About six fire trucks and fifty firefighters were sent to handle the problem.

PSL Chairman Salman Naseer reassured fans and stakeholders that no player or franchise staff was harmed or put at risk during the incident. “None of the players or franchises faced any difficulties. The fire was extinguished on time. It did not spread to the interior of the hotel,” Salman said.

“The fire brigade teams launched their operation to extinguish the fire promptly,” he added.

The Capital Development Authority's Director of Emergency Services, Zafar Iqbal, confirmed that the situation was under control and not linked to any terrorist activity or targeted attack. ““Six firefighting vehicles and 50 firefighters participated in the operation to extinguish the fire. The fire was extinguished within half an hour,” clarified a local administration official.

As a precautionary measure, all guests — including PSL players and team personnel — were temporarily evacuated from the premises, and security around the area was heightened.

Despite the scare, the tournament's schedule remains unchanged, and Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars are set to face off in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as planned.