Bangladesh cricket legend Mushfiqur Rahim has been left stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, after US and Israeli military strikes on Iran triggered widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations across the Gulf region. The star wicketkeeper-batter, returning home after performing Umrah in Makkah, shared an emotional social media post describing the anxiety and uncertainty facing thousands of stranded passengers.
Mushfiqur Rahim flight turned back mid-air as regional airspace closes
Rahim completed his pilgrimage in Makkah and was scheduled to return to Dhaka via Dubai on Saturday (February 28), aboard Emirates flight EK 0806. However, shortly after departure from Jeddah, the flight was forced to turn back as regional airspace became restricted following the escalation of hostilities.
The United States and Israel launched major combat operations against Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump announcing that the objective “is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats” from Iran . The Israeli Defense Ministry described the action as a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran “to remove threats to Israel,” involving some 200 fighter jets in what military officials called the largest flyover in Israeli Air Force history .
Iran swiftly retaliated with counterattacks against Israel 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 strikes on Iran, with up to 160 casualties reported from an airstrike on a girls’ school in southern Iran alone.
“Only Almighty Allah knows when we will return”: Mushfiqur Rahim’s emotional post
Taking to Facebook to share his ordeal, the 38-year-old former Bangladesh captain wrote: “Assalamu Alaikum. A few days ago, I came to Makkah to perform Umrah. Alhamdulillah, after completing Umrah, I was scheduled to return to Bangladesh today by Emirates via Dubai.”
He continued, describing the moment his journey was interrupted: “We have flown this morning from Jeddah to Dubai via EK 0806 but unfortunately due to the war between USA, ISRAEL AND IRAN all the flight has return to Jeddah and now i am in jeddah airpot including thoushand of passengers.”
The post reflected the helplessness felt by thousands in similar situations: “Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we will able to go to Dhaka along with other Bangladeshi people. I seek your prayers.”
Bangladesh Government monitoring the situation in Middle-East
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring Rahim’s situation. Speaking to journalists after inspecting Kamalapur Stadium in Dhaka, the minister provided an encouraging update: “I am well aware of Mushfiqur Rahim’s situation. I have already spoken with him. He is in good health and is expected to depart tonight on an available flight. We hope he will return to the country soon.”
Rahim is not alone among cricket personalities caught in the regional disruption. England Lions coach and former wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow also found himself stranded in Abu Dhabi.
