Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who represented Lahore Qalandars in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL), has shared his harrowing experience during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries escalated, panic spread among foreign players in Pakistan.
Rishad recounted the players’ fear as they scrambled to leave the country, describing the chaos that unfolded before the PSL was suspended. The players flew to the UAE before heading to their respective homes. The PSL’s suspension came just hours after India’s cricket board postponed the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) for a week.
Rishad explained, “All the foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran were extremely frightened. After we landed in Dubai, Daryl Mitchell told me he would never return to Pakistan under such circumstances. Everyone was deeply shaken.”
Tom Curran Breaks Down in Tears
Among the players, England’s Tom Curran was hit particularly hard by the ordeal. Rishad revealed that Curran was reduced to tears after hearing that the airport was closed while he was trying to leave.
“He broke down crying like a child and had to be consoled by a couple of people to calm him down,” Rishad shared. The scene highlighted the intense fear and anxiety experienced by players unfamiliar with such tense situations.
Another Bangladeshi player, Nahid Rana, who was part of Peshawar Zalmi, also struggled with the overwhelming tension. Rishad said he made an effort to comfort Nahid during those anxious hours.
“Nahid Rana stayed very quiet, likely because of the tension. I kept telling him to stay calm and that, by God’s grace, we would be fine. Thankfully, we reached Dubai safely,” he said.
Relief and Gratitude After Safe Escape
After arriving in Dubai, Rishad expressed immense relief and gratitude. He mentioned that soon after their flight departed, they learned a missile had struck the airport just 20 minutes later, adding to the fear they had just escaped.
“It was horrifying news. My family was deeply worried when they heard about the bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan,” Rishad said. He reassured his family despite the crisis, asking them to stay calm. Fortunately, with a ceasefire now in place between India and Pakistan, the immediate danger has subsided, but the frightening experience remains etched in the players’ memories.
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