Bangladesh's preparations for two-Test tour of Pakistan hampered by nationwide curfew
Bangladesh's preparation for their upcoming crucial Test series against Pakistan has suffered a blow. This is due to the indefinite curfew imposed by the government in the country amid the political crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is unsure of when it can announce the next date of the practice session.
The Tigers are scheduled to fly to Pakistan on August 17 for the two-match series, which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Rawalpindi will host the first Test from August 21-25, while Karachi will stage the second from August 30 - September 3.
A BCB official issued a statement to Cricbuzz, claiming that the administration will look into the matter and then comment.
"We are not sure when we can hold the practice because there is a curfew for indefinite period. Our administration is looking after the matter and we can get a better understanding of the situation after they brief us about the present condition," the statement read.
The country's home ministry imposed a curfew on August 4 (Sunday) and it will continue for an indefinite period. The statement said that the curfew will apply across all fields and departments.
Former Bangladesh Test captains to play for 'A' team in first four-day fixture
The likes of Shahadat Hossain, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud are part of the A squad for the first match against Pakistan Shaheens. Former Bangladesh's Test captains Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque are also part of the same squad.
The A team is slated to leave for Pakistan on August 6. They will square off in a couple of four-day fixtures, followed by three one-day matches against the Shaheens. The 50-over games will take place from August 10-27.
The Tigers had last toured Pakistan for a bilateral series in February 2020. However, they were present in Pakistan for the 50-over Asia Cup last year.