Sports Desk:

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has issued a public apology after his comments about fellow PSL teammates Daryl Mitchell and Tom Curran sparked confusion and controversy.

Rishad, who returned to Dhaka on Saturday after the suspension of the Pakistan Super League due to India-Pakistan tensions, had given a brief interview at Dubai airport.

In it, he claimed that several overseas players, including Mitchell and Curran, were visibly frightened.

He quoted Mitchell as saying he wouldn’t return to Pakistan, and described Curran as “crying like a child” during tense moments following nearby explosions in Rawalpindi.

The remarks quickly circulated online, prompting criticism and concern. Late Sunday, Rishad took to social media to clarify the situation.

He wrote: “I’m aware that a recent comment I made has caused confusion and has unfortunately been misrepresented in the media creating a false perception.

The comment was made during a brief interview with Bangladeshi journalists while I was in transit at Dubai airport. It lacked full context and unintentionally overstated the emotions involved.

I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused. I’ve offered an unconditional apology to Daryl Mitchell and Tom Curran. I hold deep respect for my fellow teammates and truly value the Qalandars brotherhood — where we always stand by one another, no matter what.

I look forward to rejoining my team when the Pakistan Super League resumes.”

Rishad, 22, had a successful debut PSL season with Lahore Qalandars, taking nine wickets in five matches. The PSL is expected to resume within a week following reports of a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.