Bangladesh tour of Pakistan in doubt amidst political unrest - Reports
Bangladesh's upcoming tour of Pakistan is in doubt due to the prevailing political unrest in the country following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's forced resignation and escape from the country. As per reports from the Times of India (TOI), there is growing uncertainty in Bangladesh's travel plans to Pakistan for the two-Test series, starting August 21.
A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that efforts are made to ensure the series takes place. He said:
"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."
"With the BCB president (Najmul Hosain Papon) also leaving the country, apparently the board is not functioning normally," the source added.
The political turmoil has also affected Bangladesh A team's shadow tour to Pakistan where they were to take on the Pakistan Shaheens. The first four-day game was supposed to start on August 11 but the BCB delayed the arrival of the A team to Pakistan by 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the Test series between the Bangladesh and Pakistan senior sides is slated to be played from August 21 to September 3, with the Bangladesh squad due to reach Pakistan on August 17.
Other reports have also stated that the Women's T20 World Cup in October could be moved from Bangladesh to India, UAE, or Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh's last tour to Pakistan was cut short due to COVID-19
Bangladesh last toured Pakistan in early 2020 with the original itinerary slated to be three T20Is, two Tests, and a lone ODI. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world when the teams were playing, resulting in the second half of the tour being called off.
Pakistan won the first two T20Is before the series finale was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain, resulting in a 2-0 win for the home side. They continued their domination over Bangladesh by defeating them in the first Test by an innings and 44 runs.
Yet, the second Test and the lone ODI were postponed due to COVID-19, abruptly ending Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan.
The two teams met the following season in Bangladesh for three T20Is and two Tests, with Pakistan winning all five games.