Mushfiqur Rahim stranded in Saudi as Middle East conflict disrupts flights

Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim has been stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after his return flight was forced to turn back amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The 38-year-old had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and was scheduled to return to Bangladesh via Dubai. 

However, his flight was compelled to return to Jeddah due to the prevailing conflict in parts of the Gulf region.

In a post on social media, Mushfiq said he had travelled to Mecca for Umrah a few days earlier and had completed his religious obligations before beginning his journey home aboard an Emirates flight (EK 0806) from Jeddah to Dubai.

“But unfortunately, due to the war between the USA, Israel and Iran, all the flights have returned to Jeddah. Now I am at Jeddah airport along with thousands of passengers. Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we will be able to go to Dhaka along with other Bangladeshi people. Seeking prayers,” he wrote.

Thousands of passengers are reportedly awaiting further updates as flight operations in parts of the region face disruptions due to the ongoing conflict.

SH