Bangladesh leg-spinning all-rounder Rishad Hossain has issued a public apology after a comment made during his return from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) caused a stir on social media.
The 22-year-old impressed in his debut PSL season, picking up nine wickets in five matches for Lahore Qalandars and earning plaudits for his performances. However, it wasn’t his on-field exploits that made headlines this weekend.
Following the abrupt suspension of the PSL due to rising political tensions between India and Pakistan, Rishad returned to Bangladesh via Dubai on Saturday. During a brief interaction with Bangladeshi journalists at the airport, he made a comment referencing two of his foreign teammates—New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and England’s Tom Curran—that quickly spread online and sparked controversy.
Responding to the fallout, Rishad released a statement on Sunday night across his official Facebook and Instagram pages. “I’ve come to know that a recent comment of mine has caused confusion and was unfortunately misrepresented in the media, leading to a misunderstanding,” he wrote.
He clarified that the comment, made in passing during a short airport interview, lacked full context and may have been unintentionally exaggerated. “The emotional tone was overemphasised, and the complete context was not conveyed,” he added.
Rishad went on to issue a direct apology: “I sincerely regret the misunderstanding caused. I have unconditionally apologised to Daryl Mitchell and Tom Curran. I have great respect for my teammates and deeply value the spirit of unity we share at Lahore Qalandars, where we support each other no matter the circumstances.”
The young cricketer’s statement has since drawn praise on social media, with many lauding his maturity and accountability. Nonetheless, the incident serves as a reminder of the added responsibility that comes with playing in foreign franchise leagues—not just on the pitch, but off it as well.
As global exposure increases, so does scrutiny, and players must remain mindful that every word—particularly in tense geopolitical climates—can carry weight beyond intended meaning.