India-Pakistan Conflict Prompt Bangladesh To Rethink Pak Tour

Bangladesh to play 5 T20 matches in Pakistan. Photo : AP

Due to the increased border tensions between India and Pakistan, the Bangladeshi national cricket team's planned tour of Pakistan is probably going to be postponed. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are currently collaborating to update the schedule, a senior BCB official told India Today.

"As we speak, both the boards are in talks to reschedule the dates for the tour. What has happened between India and Pakistan has impacted this series, and that's why both boards are now looking to finalize new dates. An official announcement will be made soon," the source told India Today.

Originally, Bangladesh and Pakistan were to play a five-match T20I series from May 25 to June 3. In light of the current border tensions between the two neighbours, if it goes forward, Bangladesh would become the first international team to tour Pakistan.

But since the Pakistan Super League (PSL) schedule was altered, issues have surfaced. Originally intended to end prior to the Bangladesh series, the PSL final has been moved for May 25, which also happens to be the day of the first T20 International between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladesh's two-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still scheduled despite the uncertainties surrounding the Pakistan tour. The Tigers will play the UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 17 and 19. Prior to the first T20I in Pakistan, the team was originally scheduled to arrive in Lahore on May 21.

After the updated dates are decided upon in consultation with the PCB, the BCB is anticipated to issue an official statement. As they prepare for a possibly rearranged itinerary in Pakistan, Bangladesh's immediate focus is still on their brief tour of the United Arab Emirates.

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