Mushfiqur Rahim stuck in Jeddah due to ongoing military conflict

Veteran Bangladesh keeper-bat Mushfiqur Rahim found himself stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah after flights were abruptly suspended amid the escalating conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Mushfiqur, who had been in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, said his Emirates flight bound for Dubai was forced to return to Jeddah due to the disruption, leaving him and thousands of other passengers stuck, and he asked his followers for prayers as they wait to return home.

In the wake of escalating US-Israel airstrikes on Iran and subsequent missile exchanges in the Gulf region, most flights in the Middle East region have been temporarily suspended.

Airports in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have been reporting heightened security alerts following multiple explosions, prompting authorities in Bangladesh to take precautionary measures.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport officials confirmed on Saturday (28 February) that operations to key Middle Eastern destinations have been halted until further notice.

"Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we will able to go to Dhaka along with other Bangladeshi people. Seeking prayers," said Mushfiqur via a Facebook post.

ICC mobilises travel, security and logistics teams

Meanwhile, the ICC has activated contingency plans to "support stakeholder safety and well-being" in the wake of the conflict. While there is no direct impact on the ongoing T20 World Cup, several personnel involved in the World Cup, including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams and event staff, rely on airport hubs in the Middle East for travel.

"The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC's highest priority," said a statement released by the ICC.

"We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption. We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel," it continued.

Further, the ICC outlined the current measures that have been put in place including working with major international carries in identifying and securing alternative routes, providing advisories based on real-time developments and operating an ICC Travel Support Desk.