Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan Faces Potential Delay

LAHORE: The Bangladesh cricket team’s scheduled visit to Pakistan is now uncertain due to growing geopolitical instability in the region and alterations to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) timetable.

The Bangladesh team was initially expected to arrive in Pakistan in two groups starting on May 21. The five-match T20I series was slated to commence on May 25 in Faisalabad.

However, recent circumstances have cast doubt on whether the tour will proceed as initially planned.

Sources indicate that the PSL’s relocation to Dubai might impact the Bangladesh series schedule.

The PSL final, originally planned for May 18, is anticipated to be postponed, potentially affecting preparations for the series.

Operational difficulties arising from the PSL’s relocation could delay the tournament’s restart by up to a week.

Given these changes, concerns are escalating about the timely execution of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series.

Prior to the PSL’s rescheduling, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) convened a meeting to assess the arrangements for the Bangladesh series and expressed confidence in the preparations.

However, the shifting environment has introduced uncertainty surrounding the series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is also addressing concerns voiced by players regarding the security situation in Pakistan.

Some players have reportedly voiced concerns about touring Pakistan due to the current regional climate.

The Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series is part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), and both cricket boards are actively seeking a resolution despite the uncertainties.

The BCB had already announced their squad for their busy schedule, which includes a series of T20Is against the UAE and Pakistan.

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, Shoriful Islam.