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Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 has been abruptly suspended following escalating border tensions with India, forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to abandon its initial plans and prioritize player safety. A last-minute attempt to relocate the remainder of the tournament to the UAE fell through after the Emirates Cricket Board reportedly denied permission, leaving the PSL’s immediate future in limbo.
Tension grips overseas players during PSL 2025
The sudden halt came amidst a climate of fear and uncertainty among players, particularly overseas cricketers. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who was part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, described the days leading up to the suspension as “harrowing.”
Speaking at Dubai Airport after arriving safely, Rishad shared the palpable relief of reaching a secure location. “Alhamdulillah, we have reached Dubai after overcoming a crisis and I am feeling well now,” Rishad was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz. “After landing in Dubai, we heard that a missile struck the airport 20 minutes after we took off. The news was scary as well as sorrowful,” he revealed. Back home, his family endured sleepless nights, constantly worried about the security situation. “My family spent sleepless nights. They were worried about the bomb blasts and missile strikes. I had to constantly assure them I was safe.”
The fear was not limited to Rishad. He noted that his fellow Bangladeshi cricketer, Nahid Rana of Peshawar Zalmi, was visibly shaken. “Nahid was very quiet. I kept telling him not to be tense. Alhamdulillah, we reached Dubai safely.”
The distress was widespread among the foreign contingent. Rishad recounted conversations with several prominent overseas players. “Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, Tom Curran… all of them were so frightened,” he stated. The fear was so profound for some that it led to resolute decisions. “Mitchell told me he would never return to Pakistan in such a scenario.”
One particularly poignant moment highlighted the level of panic. “Tom Curran went to the airport, only to find it closed. He started crying like a little child. It took two or three people to handle him,” Rishad shared, illustrating the emotional toll the situation took on the players.
“They tried to hide two drone attacks from us”: Rishad Hossain
Initially, the PCB had hoped to resume the remaining matches in Karachi. However, a crucial meeting between the players and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi led to a change in plans. Rishad revealed that the players were initially not fully informed about the extent of the security concerns. “They tried to hide two drone attacks from us,” he claimed. Ultimately, a consensus was reached that Dubai offered the safest environment for the players.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances and the abrupt end to their participation in the PSL, Rishad credited the PCB for facilitating their safe departure. “Eventually, everyone agreed Dubai was the safest. Credit to the PCB for helping us leave safely,” he concluded.
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