Bangladeshi cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana will not be returning home as earlier speculated. Instead, the duo is heading to United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take part in remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has been relocated due to growing security concerns in Pakistan.
While the tournament hasn’t been canceled, suspended, or officially postponed, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the rest of the PSL out of the country.
This drastic step follows heightened security risks after a recent Indian drone strike, making it unfeasible to continue hosting matches on Pakistani soil.
Though the revised schedule is yet to be announced, PCB has assured all participating franchises that they will be given adequate time to relocate and prepare before matches resume in UAE.
All teams currently based in various Pakistani cities, including Rawalpindi, are being moved to UAE as quickly as possible. PCB is arranging a special flight on Friday to evacuate all foreign players, coaching staff and support personnel.
Speaking from Rawalpindi, Bangladeshi journalist Tashfiq Palok told that a special flight is expected to land directly in UAE, carrying players including Rishad and Nahid.
Initially, it was thought that both Bangladeshi players might return home once the tournament was disrupted. However, they are now staying on to fulfill their franchise commitments. Since the matches are moving to a neutral and secure location, there is no longer any significant concern over their safety.
With venues like Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi not facing threats of missile or drone attacks, PCB is confident the tournament can be completed without further disruption. After wrapping up their campaigns, Rishad and Nahid will return to Bangladesh.
Nahid Rana currently plays for Peshawar Zalmi, while Rishad Hossain is representing Lahore Qalandars in this year’s PSL.
SH
