Bangladesh to Face UAE in Additional T20I Ahead of Potential Pakistan Tour

Bangladesh is scheduled to participate in an additional third T20 International (T20I) match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 21 in Sharjah, according to reports on Monday.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had appealed to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for the inclusion of this additional contest, to which the ECB agreed.

Reports indicate this decision stems from the BCB’s uncertainty regarding their planned tour to Pakistan for a series of five T20I matches. The Pakistan tour was originally slated to commence on May 25. However, the postponement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 for a week necessitates adjustments to the schedule by both cricket boards.

This initiative aims to keep the Bangladesh team in the Gulf region, facilitating direct travel to Pakistan should the tour proceed as planned.

Last week, it was reported that the BCB secured governmental consent for the Pakistan tour, pending receipt of the official confirmation letter, which is expected soon.

A BCB official stated that while they await the official letter from the government, they understand that the decision has been approved in principle, allowing the team to visit Pakistan for the series. They also mentioned that discussions with players will commence upon receiving the official letter, acknowledging potential reluctance among some players due to security concerns. The official assured that no player would be pressured to participate.

Currently, Bangladesh holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Parvez Hossain Emon’s century securing a 27-run victory in the opening match.

Bangladesh Squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan:

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam