Nahid and Rishad withdraw from PSL as India-Pakistan tensions rise

Bangladesh cricketers Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain are heading home early from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing heightened security concerns amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions.

A source within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the decision, noting that while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier assured players of their safety, both Nahid and Rishad requested to leave the tournament. The BCB has since initiated steps to ensure their safe return.

The situation intensified following a drone strike near Rawalpindi Stadium just hours before a scheduled match, prompting the PCB to shift upcoming games from the venue. Although PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with around 40 foreign players to address concerns, many remained unsettled by ongoing security threats.

Nahid and Rishad, who were playing for Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars respectively, personally communicated their decision to the BCB.

Their withdrawal also casts a shadow over Bangladesh’s upcoming five-match T20 series in Pakistan, set for later this month, as concerns over player safety continue to mount.