In a gripping revelation during the Pakistan Super League (PSL)’s 2025 season, Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, representing Lahore Qalandars, shared the harrowing experiences faced by players amidst escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. Speaking from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where players caught connecting flights to return home, Hossain recounted the fear that gripped the squad.
As reported by NDSTV Sports, he stated, “Foreign cricketers like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran were terrified. Upon landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me he’d never return to Pakistan, especially in such circumstances. They were all shaken to the core.”
Hossain went on to describe English cricketer Tom Curran’s emotional breakdown during the crisis. “Curran heard the airport might be closing and broke down, crying uncontrollably. It took several people to calm him down. Seeing such a seasoned player in that state was heartbreaking,” he shared.
Family Worries Amid Chaos
Hossain also reflected on the anxiety faced by his family during the turmoil. “Whenever I’m abroad, my family is constantly worried about my safety—whether the situation is stable or not. With news of explosions and missile strikes in Pakistan, their fear was understandable. I tried to reassure them, but it’s never easy,” he concluded.
Hossain’s teammate, Nahid Rana, who represented Peshawar Zalmi, also opened up about his experience. “Nahid was unusually quiet, perhaps due to the tension. I kept reassuring him that we’d be safe, and thankfully, we made it to Dubai without incident. Alhamdulillah, we’re safe now,” Hossauk added.
These revelations shed light on the mental toll that geopolitical tensions can take on athletes, even during what should be a celebratory cricket season. Despite the challenges, Hossain emphasized the importance of staying calm and supporting one another during such trying times.
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