Sports Desk

Bangladesh cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana returned to Dhaka on Saturday after their Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaigns were cut short due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Speaking to reporters at the airport in Dhaka upon their arrival, Rishad shared what he described as a “war-like” experience in Rawalpindi, where explosions were heard near the stadium earlier this week, prompting the authorities to postpone the PSL.

Rishad, who had been playing for Lahore Qalandars, had taken nine wickets in five matches and was enjoying his first overseas league experience when the situation turned tense.

“At first, we were shocked and scared after hearing what happened,” Rishad said. “There was support from home, from the team management, and from the BCB. But it was still very difficult.”

Nahid Rana, who joined Peshawar Zalmi after playing a Test against Zimbabwe, had not yet debuted in the PSL.

Rishad recalled how his teammate reacted to the situation.

“Nahid got a bit panicked and stayed quiet. I told him not to worry—we were together, and Allah is always with us,” he added.

Following the attack near Rawalpindi Stadium, foreign players held a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board officials and expressed their desire to return home.

The league was subsequently suspended, and the two Bangladeshi players were flown to Dubai before arriving in Dhaka.

Despite the traumatic experience, Rishad said he is open to returning if the tournament resumes.

“I would like to play again, but of course, if I go back to Pakistan now, that fear will remain,” he admitted.

Rishad also said he tried to keep his family calm during the ordeal. “We tried to stay positive so they wouldn’t worry too much,” he said.