Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain said he was relieved to return home from the UAE on Saturday, after tensions between India and Pakistan led to the suspension of the Pakistan Super League.
Rishad also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Pakistan Cricket Board as well his PSL team Lahore Qalandars for their unwavering support throughout the crisis.
鈥業鈥檓 back in good spirits. I feel good, Alhamdulillah. Actually, when we first learned about the situation, we were a little panicked. Everyone supported us, both from the country and the team management. The BCB, PCB and PSL team has always been inquiring about us,鈥� Rishad told the media on Saturday.
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 before getting postponed, eventually.
Rishad recalled the early hours when the missile strikes began.
鈥楢 missile struck the airport 20 minutes after our flight took off. So after that hit, we were wondering that maybe it was God鈥檚 will that we returned home safe,鈥� he said.
Rishad said how he supported the 20-year-old pacer Nahid Rana, who represented Peshawar Zalmi, was deeply affected by the situation.
鈥楴ahid was a bit anxious. I tried to reassure him that there was no reason to feel tense. Everything will be alright. He was depressed and mentally down.鈥�
Rishad said he would participate if the tournament resumes.
鈥楾he situation will determine whether I will go or not. I would play the rest of the PSL. If it is shifted to Dubai or if continues in Pakistan, I will try to go,鈥� he added.
