Bangladesh cricket greats mushfiqur rahim People are stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after massive airspace closures and flight cancellations across the Gulf region due to US and Israeli military attacks on Iran. The star wicketkeeper-batsman, returning home after performing Umrah in Mecca, shared an emotional social media post, describing the anxiety and uncertainty of thousands of stranded pilgrims.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s flight returned mid-air due to closure of regional airspace
Rahim completed his pilgrimage to Mecca and was scheduled to return to Dhaka via Dubai on Emirates flight EK 0806 on Saturday (February 28). However, soon after departure from Jeddah, the flight was forced to turn back as regional airspace became restricted following an increase in hostilities.
The United States and Israel launched major war operations against Iran on Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced the purpose “To protect the American people by eliminating imminent threats” From Iran. The Israeli Defense Ministry described the action “Pre-Preventive” attack against iran “To remove threats to Israel,Military officials described it as the largest flyover in Israeli Air Force history, involving approximately 200 fighter jets.
Iran retaliated against Israeli and US targets across the region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. At least 201 people were killed and 747 injured in the attacks on Iran, with 160 casualties reported in an airstrike on a girls’ school in southern Iran alone.
“Only Almighty Allah knows when we will return”: Mushfiqur Rahim’s emotional post
The 38-year-old former Bangladesh captain shared his ordeal on Facebook, writing: “Assalamu Alaikum. A few days ago, I came to Mecca to perform Umrah. Alhamdulillah, after completing Umrah, I was scheduled to return from the emirate today to Bangladesh via Dubai.”
He went on to describe the moment when his journey was interrupted: “We have flown from Jeddah to Dubai this morning via EK 0806, but unfortunately due to the war between America, Israel and Iran all flights have returned to Jeddah and now I am at Jeddah airport along with thousands of passengers.”
This post reflects the helplessness felt by thousands of people in similar situations: “Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we will be able to go to Dhaka with other Bangladeshi people. I seek your prayers.”
Also read: Bangladesh Cricket Board unveils central contract for 2026 season
Bangladesh government is keeping an eye on the situation in the Middle East
Minister of State for Youth and Sports Aminul Haq confirmed that authorities were closely monitoring Rahim’s condition. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Kamalapur Stadium in Dhaka, the minister provided an encouraging update: “I am well aware of Mushfiqur Rahim’s condition. I have already spoken to him. He is in good health and is expected to leave tonight on an available flight. We are hopeful that he will return to the country soon.”
Rahim is not alone among cricket celebrities caught in the regional turmoil. England Lions coach and former wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow He found himself stranded in Abu Dhabi.
Also read: Jonny Bairstow, stranded in Abu Dhabi amid Iran-Israel and US tensions, asks for help
