If everything goes smoothly, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, and other foreign cricketers participating in the PSL will leave Pakistan on a special flight arranged by the PCB on Friday night.
In the midst of the heightened tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has focused on ensuring the safe evacuation of foreign players after relocating the Pakistan Super League (PSL) venues.
By Friday night, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, and approximately 40 foreign cricketers participating in the tournament will be heading to the UAE. Nahid himself confirmed the news to bdnews24.com.
Last month, Rishad and Nahid traveled to Pakistan to play for Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, respectively. Rishad has already played five matches, while Nahid is awaiting his debut.
The ongoing conflict between neighboring countries India and Pakistan has delayed Nahid’s debut, with safety concerns rising significantly. Following India’s drone attack on Rawalpindi Stadium on Thursday, one PSL match was initially suspended.
Immediately after the drone strike, foreign PSL players held a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. After assessing the security risks, the organizers decided to relocate the entire tournament to the UAE.
However, the resumption date and new venue for the tournament have not yet been finalized.
In response to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been in constant communication with the two cricketers, Nahid and Rishad. They are also in regular contact with PCB Chairman, PSL Chairman, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad.
In a video message provided by the BCB on Friday, Board President Faruk Ahmed emphasized that PCB is working hard to address player safety concerns.
“Not only our players, but many foreign cricketers are there. A collective effort is being made to find a solution to the current situation. They will try to evacuate all players from Pakistan to a safer location as soon as possible.”
Along with Nahid and Rishad, two Bangladeshi sports journalists are currently in Pakistan covering the PSL. The BCB is also considering their safety.
“We’ve also been in touch with our two sports journalists there. They went for their professional duties, and the board feels a responsibility towards them. We are trying to ensure their safety and get them relocated with the players.”
The ongoing conflict has also affected the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the tournament being suspended for one week.
On April 22, a terrorist attack on tourists in Pehelgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, killed 26 people, which India has blamed on Pakistan, escalating tensions between the two nations.
In retaliation for the attack in Pehelgam, India launched strikes in nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday night. Pakistan responded with artillery fire. As of the latest reports, the conflict has resulted in 46 deaths across both countries.
