The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has initiated discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its upcoming white-ball tour, expressing concerns due to rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border.
Tour Schedule Under Review
Bangladesh is scheduled to begin its Pakistan tour on May 21, with two games set to be played in Faisalabad on May 25 and 27. The remaining three matches are slated for Lahore from May 31 to June 3. The last time Bangladesh played an ODI in Faisalabad was in 2008.
However, the escalating conflict in the region has prompted a review of the tour plans. According to a Cricinfo report, Bangladesh is reassessing the situation in consultation with Pakistani officials.
Player Safety a Top Priority: BCB
“The BCB wishes to reiterate that the safety and security of its players and support staff remain the Board’s highest priority,” the board said in an official statement released on Saturday.
“All decisions concerning the tour will be made with careful consideration of the current situation in Pakistan, ensuring they align with the best interests of the team and Bangladesh cricket,” the statement further added.
Ongoing Communications with PCB
Before heading to Pakistan, Bangladesh is expected to play two T20 Internationals against the UAE in Sharjah on May 17 and 19. BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated that the board has been monitoring developments closely.
“As soon as we received the first reports, Shahriar Nafees, our head of cricket operations, established continuous communication with the relevant authorities,” Ahmed said.
“I personally spoke with the PSL chairman and also reached out to the PCB chairman. We’ve maintained regular contact throughout,” he added.
Venue Change Not Ruled Out
While the current plan still places the series in Pakistan, a shift in venue remains a possibility. A BCB official mentioned that it’s “too early to comment on whether the T20I series will be shifted to the UAE,” but acknowledged it as a viable alternative, given Pakistan’s history of hosting home series there in the past.
Meanwhile, according to Daily Sun, the PCB has requested a few more days before making a final decision on the fate of the tour.