Civil Unrest Puts Bangladesh Tour in Jeopardy
The upcoming cricket series between Bangladesh and Pakistan Cricket Board is facing significant uncertainty due to the ongoing civil unrest in Bangladesh. The resignation and subsequent fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have created a volatile situation, casting doubt on the senior men’s team’s ability to travel for the series.
Series Details and Current Scenario
The Bangladesh senior men’s team was scheduled to play two Test matches in Pakistan Cricket Board, with the first Test set to take place in Rawalpindi from August 21-25 and the second in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. However, given the current political instability, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has delayed the arrival of their A team to Pakistan by 48 hours, raising doubts about the feasibility of the senior team’s tour.
PCB’s Efforts to Salvage the Series
In a bid to ensure the series proceeds as planned, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered to fly out the Bangladesh Test team to Rawalpindi ahead of schedule. A PCB source revealed that they have extended an offer to host the Bangladesh players for extra days, providing them with all necessary training facilities to prepare for the Test matches.
“The PCB has even offered to host their players for the extra days and provide them with all training facilities in Rawalpindi ahead of the Test matches but they have not responded as yet,” said the source.
Communication Challenges
The BCB’s delay in sending their A team to Pakistan has further complicated matters. Reports of attacks on the homes of some senior players have heightened concerns, making it difficult for the BCB to operate normally. The PCB is making continuous efforts to maintain communication with the BCB, but the current circumstances have made this challenging.
“With the BCB president (Najmul Hosain Papon) also leaving the country, apparently the board is not functioning normally,” the PCB source added.
Historical Context
Bangladesh has not toured Pakistan since the 2019-2020 season. The current situation marks a significant challenge for both cricket boards as they navigate the complexities of organizing international matches amidst political turmoil.
Potential Impact on Players
Former Test captain Mominul Haque was expected to play for Bangladesh A in the series against Pakistan Shaheens (A). The delay and uncertainty surrounding the tour have disrupted preparations for both the senior and A teams. Players are left in a state of limbo, unsure of the immediate future and their ability to participate in the planned matches.
Conclusion
The uncertainty surrounding the Bangladesh tour to Pakistan highlights the broader implications of civil unrest on international sports. The PCB’s proactive approach to offer support and facilities underscores their commitment to hosting the series. However, the final decision rests with the BCB, which is currently grappling with internal challenges.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Bangladesh senior men’s team can proceed with their tour to Pakistan. Both cricket boards are keen to ensure the series takes place, but the safety and well-being of players and staff remain paramount. As the situation evolves, cricket fans and stakeholders alike await a resolution that allows the sport to continue in a safe and secure environment. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
