"It is their prerogative" - PCB on BCB's desire for security manager ahead of Bangladesh's two-Test tour
The Pakistan Cricket Board has said that it has no qualms if the Bangladesh Cricket Board plans to send its own security experts for the two-Test tour this month. However, the apex body of cricket in Pakistan declared that it won't be able to able to provide a security manager to the visiting side.
BCB Cricket operation Jalal Yunus had said that they had asked their government to provide a security consultant. Nevertheless, Yunus said that Pakistan assured them of state-level security.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, a spokesperson of the board said that the BCB hasn't expressed any security concerns in the country and feels if the tourists want to get a security manager, it would be their right.
"Security managers or consultants are now considered part of the player support personnel just like a media manager or a team doctor. Even at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and other bilateral series, teams have travelled with security managers.
"If the BCB wants to include a security consultant as part of their touring team management for the upcoming Test series, then it is their prerogative. But as on now, the BCB have not expressed any security concerns with the PCB."
Bangladesh men's side last visited Pakistan for a bilateral series in January-February 2020 and featured in the Asia Cup last year. The A team will land in Pakistan on August 7 without a security consultant.
"The PCB will provide close protection officers as part of state-level security" - Spokesperson ahead of Bangladesh's visit
The spokesperson also said that the BCB raised no objections against the security measures' blueprint shared initially:
"In fact, and as part of international norm, the PCB shared the security plan along with the MoU with the BCB last month and received no queries or additional requests.
"The PCB will provide close protection officers as part of state-level security, but like any other country, the PCB cannot provide team security manager."
Rawalpindi and Karachi will host the two Tests between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It will also be part of the World Test Championship.