`Now-relieved` PSL player claims PCB withheld info on India’s drone strikes

The Pakistan Cricket Board found itself embroiled in a fresh controversy on Sunday after Bangladesh all-rounder Rishad Hossain made startling claims regarding the handling of player evacuations during the 2025 Pakistan Super League, amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

In a media interaction held in Dubai, Hossain alleged that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi withheld vital information about security threats, specifically drone attacks, while attempting to persuade players to remain in Karachi and see the tournament through.

Hossain said that although the PCB convened a crucial meeting to address the players` apprehensions, it failed to disclose the full extent of the developing security situation. While the board was keen on continuing the remainder of the PSL matches in Karachi, the foreign players raised grave concerns over their safety and expressed their desire to leave the country.

“The PCB chief tried to convince us to continue in Karachi, but he didn`t mention the two drone attacks that had happened a day earlier. We later decided Dubai was the only safe option. Credit to the PCB for helping us reach safely,” Wisden quoted him as saying.

The 22-year-old cricketer went on to share harrowing details of their evacuation, emphasising the tense atmosphere and fear among players. He revealed that the team narrowly escaped a missile strike, which occurred shortly after their departure from Pakistan.

“We reached Dubai after overcoming a crisis. After landing, we heard a missile strike the airport 20 minutes after we took off. That was scary and sorrowful. We are now feeling relieved,” Hossain remarked, describing the precarious timing of their escape.

Highlighting the emotional toll the incident had on both players and their families, he added, “Whenever I go out to play, my family worries. After hearing about bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan, they were naturally tense. I consoled them as much as I could.”

The PSL was officially suspended on Friday as the security situation deteriorated further. According to a statement from the PCB, the decision to halt the tournament was made following consultations with Pakistan`s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

Adding to the urgency, an Indian drone reportedly crashed within the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium complex on Thursday, just hours before a scheduled PSL fixture involving international cricketers from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, and England.

This article first appeared on Mid Day