Rishad thanks BCB for support during tense PSL situation
Rishad Hossain, Cricfrenzy
Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, Bangladeshi cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana found themselves in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
During this volatile period, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) maintained constant communication with the players, ensuring their safety and eventual relocation to Dubai.
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Leg-spinner Rishad has expressed heartfelt gratitude to BCB President Faruque Ahmed and Cricket Operations Committee In-Charge Shahriar Nafees for their unwavering support.
The conflict, which flared up following an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, resulted in missile strikes and drone attacks between India and Pakistan.
One such drone strike occurred near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leading to the suspension of the PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings and eventually halting the tournament indefinitely. The PSL was later shifted to the UAE for safety reasons.
Speaking to Cricfrenzy, Rishad recalled the early hours of May 7, when the missile strikes began. “From that moment, both Shahriar bhai and Faruque sir were constantly checking in with us,” Rishad said. “They ensured we were safe and kept in touch with PSL organizers, the PCB, and even the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad.”
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In a bid to protect the players, BCB boss personally contacted PSL CEO Salman Naseer and sent a message to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Ultimately, all foreign players, including Rishad and Nahid, were flown out of Rawalpindi to Dubai on a special flight. “Nafees bhai was on call with us nearly the entire time until we reached Dubai,” Rishad added.
Despite efforts by the PCB to continue the league in Karachi, foreign players declined due to safety concerns. According to Rishad, “The PCB chairman wanted to move the matches to Karachi, but many of us later found out that two drones had fallen there just the day before. Dubai felt like the only safe option.”
Thanking the PCB for their cooperation, Rishad concluded, “Alhamdulillah, things ended well. The PCB chairman helped arrange our transfer to Dubai. For that, we are also grateful to him and the board for ensuring we arrived safely.”
