According to sources from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), due to security concerns, most foreign cricketers, including Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, may leave Pakistan without playing the remaining matches.
The ongoing tension between India and Pakistan is clearly affecting the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Following a drone attack near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, one match has already been suspended, and security concerns have significantly increased. As a result, Bangladeshi cricketers Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain might return home before the tournament ends.
Tension between India and Pakistan has been rising for a while, especially following a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Despite this, the PSL continued until the early hours of Wednesday, when the situation escalated with India’s attack on Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. On Thursday, Pakistan claimed drone attacks in several areas, one of which landed near the Rawalpindi stadium, leading to the suspension of the Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings match.
Rishad and Nahid, who left Bangladesh last month to participate in the PSL, are currently in Islamabad. Nahid was set to make his PSL debut for Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday, while Rishad has already played five matches for Lahore Qalandars.
Due to the current situation, foreign players in the PSL, including Rishad and Nahid, are expressing security concerns. On Thursday, they held an urgent meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Khan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has been in constant contact with both the PCB and PSL organizers.
A source from the board, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that it is highly likely that Nahid and Rishad, along with most foreign players, will leave Pakistan soon.
“We have been in constant communication with Nahid and Rishad since yesterday. We are also in touch with the PCB chairman and PSL officials. Our embassy in Islamabad is also regularly communicating with us.”
“The situation is clearly not good. The players are safe, but there are still concerns. Foreign players are unlikely to remain in Pakistan. Discussions are ongoing about when and how they can return home.”
The source further confirmed that it is almost certain that Rishad and Nahid will return to Bangladesh. However, the BCB will wait for decisions regarding Pakistan’s airspace before making arrangements for their return.
In an official statement, the BCB confirmed that it is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of Nahid and Rishad.
“BCB is working closely with the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission to ensure that the players feel safe and secure during their stay in Pakistan. We are also coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure their safe and timely return from Pakistan.”
The PSL final is scheduled for May 18. Following that, Bangladesh’s team is supposed to play a five-match T20 series. The team, including Litton Kumar Das and Shakib Al Hasan, was expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 after playing a two-match series in the UAE. However, the current situation has cast uncertainty over this tour as well. The BCB has not yet made any official statement on this matter.
