DHAKA, May 08 (V7N) - Bangladesh cricketers Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain are cutting short their stints in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and returning home early due to increasing security concerns stemming from escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.  

A source within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed this development, stating that despite previous assurances of safety from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the decision to facilitate the players' departure was made following their direct requests to leave the tournament. The BCB has already initiated arrangements for their safe return to Bangladesh.  

Concerns among the players intensified after a drone strike occurred near Rawalpindi Stadium just hours before a scheduled PSL match. This incident prompted the PCB to relocate the remaining matches away from that particular venue. Reports suggest that approximately 40 foreign players held a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the aftermath of the attack, but many remained unconvinced by the board's attempts to reassure them.  

Nahid Rana was representing Peshawar Zalmi, while Rishad Hossain was playing for Lahore Qalandars. Both players directly communicated their desire to return home to the BCB. Their decision reflects the growing anxiety among players following continued drone activity in the region after missile strikes last week further heightened tensions.  

Their early departure from the PSL also introduces fresh uncertainty regarding Bangladesh's own scheduled tour of Pakistan later this month, where the national team is slated to play a five-match T20 series. The BCB has yet to make a final decision on whether that tour will proceed, emphasizing that they will continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation.

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