In a chilling account that underscores the perils faced by international cricketers in conflict zones, Bangladeshi spinner Rishad Hossain has recounted the traumatic events during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Hossain, who was part of the PSL, described the atmosphere as one of sheer panic and fear. He revealed that English cricketer Tom Curran was visibly distressed, breaking down in tears, while New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell expressed his resolve never to return to Pakistan.
“Foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, Tom Curran… all of them were so frightened… Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me that he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. Overall, they all were horrified,” said Hossain. “He (Tom Curran) went to the airport, but heard that the airport was closed. Then he started crying like a little child, that it took two or three people to handle him,” Hossain added.
This harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of geopolitical conflicts and their direct impact on sports. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and contingency planning to ensure the safety of athletes participating in international events.
IPL 2025 Likely To Resume Next Week After India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Reports
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is expected to resume next week following a mutually agreed-upon ceasefire between India and Pakistan after ‘Operation Sindoor’. The ceasefire, announced on May 10, 2025, at 5 PM IST, will see both countries stop all firing and military action on land, air, and sea.
The BCCI had suspended the IPL 2025 tournament for a week amid rising border tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was made after the cancellation of the highly anticipated match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8, 2025, due to security concerns.
According to inputs from Sportstak, the tournament will likely resume next week. However, the BCCI will review the security situation before confirming the new schedule and venues for the remaining matches.
The ceasefire agreement is a positive development for the IPL 2025, which was facing uncertainty due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The potential resumption of the IPL 2025 next week brings relief to cricket fans and players alike. With the ceasefire in place, the focus can shift back to the game, and the tournament can proceed with minimal disruptions. The BCCI’s commitment to ensuring the safety of players and staff will be crucial in determining the success of the tournament.
