Mitchell vows never to return to Pakistan; Curran was crying: PSL player recalls horrific experience
Dubai: Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has shared harrowing details of the tense atmosphere among international cricketers during the abrupt suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Speaking after landing safely in Dubai, Hossain described the situation as chaotic and emotionally distressing for many players. “Alhamdulillah, we have reached Dubai after overcoming a crisis, and I am feeling well now,” he said.
According to Hossain, fear gripped the foreign contingent when news broke of airport closures and the uncertain political situation. He recounted that England fast bowler Tom Curran was extremely distressed. "He 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," Cricbuzz quoted Hossain as saying.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, also among the players evacuated, was reportedly so shaken by the experience that he told Hossain he would never return to Pakistan under such conditions. "Foreign players like Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran 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," he added.
Hossain also revealed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi initially planned to continue the tournament in Karachi. However, growing safety concerns raised by players reportedly led to a change in plans, prompting the evacuation of all international players to the UAE.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
