Dhaka, Aug 1: Not only the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but now even Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seems to be concerned about the security of players and support staff during an upcoming tour to Pakistan.
As per the fixture, Bangladesh is set to tour Pakistan this month for a two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The series will see Bangladesh playing in Pakistan despite political instability that has deterred many teams from touring Pakistan.
According to the tour itinerary, Bangladesh's tour to Pakistan begins on August 17, with the first Test scheduled in Rawalpindi from August 21-25 and the second in Karachi from August 30-September 3.
BCB Chairman Jalal Yunus, however, clarified that Bangladesh players have not expressed concerns about the tour. He noted that while the board is concerned about security, they will proceed with the tour to Pakistan once they receive the necessary assurances.
As per reports, the BCB has requested a security advisor from Bangladesh Government for their upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, highlighting further concerns about player safety ahead of the Champions Trophy in February-March 2025.
But if the BCB decides not to allow Bangladesh players to Pakistan for the upcoming Test series, then there would be surely question marks about Champions Trophy 2025.
Will the Champions Trophy 2025 be hosted in Pakistan entirely, or will it be organised in a 'hybrid model' like Asia Cup 2023? That apprehension has definitely arose again.
But Jalal Yunus also stated that Bangladesh travelled to Pakistan earlier and their players were provided state-level security as promised.
He also added that some international teams have also visited [Pakistan] and they are quite happy with the security they provided.
But f there was no security concerns for Bangladesh in Pakistan, why did the BCB asked for a security advisor from Bangladesh government, that has bemused many.
