Concerns over player safety under discussion as Bangladesh Cricket Board deliberates with government agencies and embassies prior to making a decision on the T20Is in Pakistan.
Scoop: Bangladesh Cricket Board weighing final decision on Pakistan tour
The Bangladesh cricket team's journey to Pakistan appears to be back on the cards, but it's still uncertain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is relying on their government security agencies to make the ultimate call on the team's travel for the rescheduled series.
The revised Pakistan Super League (PSL) is the top priority for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), causing a shift in their original plans for the Bangladesh T20Is. Initially scheduled for May 25, the T20I series will likely be postponed for a few days due to the PSL resuming on May 17 as planned[1].
According to ESPNcricinfo reports, the PCB has proposed a revised schedule, suggesting the series to begin on May 27 and conclude on June 5[1]. However, the BCB has yet to make a final decision[2].
Media committee chairman Iftekhar Rahman of the BCB clarified that the board has not made a definitive decision, stating, "Before we make any moves, we'll wait for the official reschedule from the PCB. Then, we'll consult with our government agencies and the embassy to gauge the safety of travel"[2].
In response to security concerns, Rahman emphasized that the government would be the ultimate decision-maker regarding the tour, and only if their agencies and the embassy deem Pakistan safe will the tour proceed[2]. Past concerns about safety have been mitigated, as Pakistan has demonstrated its capability to ensure a secure environment[2].
With government approval secured, the ball is now in the court of the BCB for a final decision[3]. Meanwhile, some players have expressed reservations about traveling due to security-related uncertainties[4].
Although the tour's future remains uncertain, the green light from the government allows the BCB to move forward with the necessary preparations[3].
Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
- Bcb
- Pakistan Super League
- Pakistan Cricket Board
[1] ESPNcricinfo: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-weather-shifts-react-t20i-series-bangladesh-1434601[2] ESPNcricinfo: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bangladesh-cricket-board-awaits-pcb-communication-for-tour-decision-1434567[3] The Dhaka Tribune: https://www.dhakatribune.com/sports/cricket/2023/05/06/foreign-secretary-affirms-green-signal-for-bangladesh-team-to-tour-pakistan[4] Cricbuzz: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/124196/ahead-of-bangladesh-series-pcb-sends-sms-to-players-asking-if-theyll-travel[5] PCB: https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-58211/pcb-announces-unscheduled-psl-2023-schedule-as-t20-tournament-proceeds-on-may-17[6] ESPNcricinfo: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pcb-announces-psl-2023-schedule-as-t20-tournament-proceeds-on-may-17-1434544
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to make a final decision regarding the upcoming cricket tour to Pakistan, relying on the government's security assessment before giving the green light for the journey. The BCB will consult with their government agencies and the embassy to assess the safety of travel, as the government will be the ultimate decision-maker on the tour.
