Daryl Mitchell, the talented New Zealand cricketer, recently found himself at the centre of a tense and frightening situation during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. His experience, along with other overseas players, has been widely discussed in the cricket community. Let's explore what happened and why Mitchell's remarks have drawn significant attention in the cricketing world.
During the PSL 2025, political tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, causing uncertainty and fear among foreign players participating in the league. According to Rishad Hossain, a Bangladesh leg-spinner and Lahore Qalandars teammate, Daryl Mitchell was among the overseas players deeply affected by these events. After the PSL was suspended and players were evacuated to Dubai, Mitchell reportedly told Hossain that he "would never go to Pakistan again" under such conditions.
You can read a detailed account of this ordeal, including how England’s Tom Curran was brought to tears by the experience, in the Hindustan Times article 'I will never go to Pakistan again': New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell.
Mitchell is known for his composed demeanour on the field, but the challenging situation in Pakistan clearly left a lasting impression. Rishad Hossain shared these insights after safely reaching Dubai, highlighting how the situation affected not only Daryl Mitchell but also other foreign stars, such as Sam Billings and David Wiese.
For more details about the reactions of overseas players, the NDTV Sports article "Tom Curran Started Crying, Daryl Mitchell Said He Would Never Go To Pakistan Again": PSL Star Shares Ordeal offers further personal accounts and background context.
The sudden need to evacuate foreign players from Pakistan due to escalating tensions left many cricketers shaken. Daryl Mitchell's experience highlights the importance of player safety in international tournaments. The emotional response from players, and families anxiously waiting for updates, shows the gravity of the situation.
The Times of India also covered the story, featuring direct insights from Rishad Hossain. Their report, 'Would never go to Pakistan again': Frightened NZ cricketer told Bangladesh's Rishad Hossain after PSL evacuation to Dubai, sheds additional light on the evacuation process and players' state of mind.
Daryl Mitchell's honest admission about not returning to Pakistan after the PSL incident resonates with cricket fans worldwide. It underscores the unpredictable challenges athletes may face off the field. As international cricket continues to navigate safety and security concerns, stories like Mitchell’s remind us of the human side of professional sports.
Stay tuned for updates on Daryl Mitchell’s career and more news shaping the world of cricket.