PCB, BCB discuss BD tour of Pak

Express Tribune

11-05-2025

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that it is in "active and ongoing discussions" with their Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) counterparts regarding the upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan later this month.
The development comes late of Saturday, where the officials emphasised that the safety and security of its players and support staff remain its top priority.
"The BCB wishes to reiterate that the safety and security of its players and support staff remain the Board's highest priority," an official statement on Saturday said.
"All decisions concerning the tour will be made with careful consideration of the current situation in Pakistan, ensuring they align with the best interests of the team and Bangladesh cricket," the statement added.
The Bengal Tigers are scheduled to play five T20Is in Lahore and Faisalabad. Their arrival is expected on May 21, while the series is expected to commence from May 25.
However, escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border have cast uncertainty over the tour. This also resulting in postponement of both the Pakistan Super League and the India Premier League.
The Bangladesh team is set to travel to Dubai later this week as part of their tour preparations.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana — who were involved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 before it was postponed indefinitely — returned home on Friday.
Rishad, who represented Lahore Qalandars, and Rana, who played for Peshawar Zalmi, arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. They are expected to depart for the UAE along with the rest of the Bangladesh squad on Wednesday.
Given Bangladesh's upcoming international commitments, it is unlikely that the duo will rejoin the PSL if it resumes in the near future.
The series between Bangladesh and Pakistan now hangs in the balance as uncertainty looms.
According to sources, the remaining PSL matches are likely to be held in Rawalpindi, pending a formal announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
PSL authorities have advised franchises to keep their overseas players in Dubai and asked local players to remain ready for action.
Efforts are reportedly underway to gather all six teams in Islamabad, with Rawalpindi being considered the frontrunner to host the remainder of the tournament.
The BCB had already announced its squad on May 4 for the five-match T20I series, which included both the UAE and Pakistan legs of the tour.
Litton Das was named captain, with off-spinner Mahedi Hasan appointed as vice-captain.
Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam
'I would like to play'
Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain, 21, who was representing Lahore Qalandars in his maiden overseas franchise stint, discussed his concerns and potential participation in PSL 10 as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.
He admitted that if the PSL resumes, he would approach his participation with caution.
"If the tournament resumes, I would like to play," he said. "But yes, the fear will remain."
Rishad, along with pacer Nahid Rana, returned to Dhaka on Saturday after the PSL was temporarily halted following reports of an incident near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and growing fears among foreign players.
"We heard about the situation, and yes, we were a bit scared," Rishad told reporters at the airport. "Everyone supported us—from the team management to the BCB. They were constantly checking in."
The leg-spinner also shared how he tried to reassure his teammates during the tense period.
"Nahid Rana was a bit shaken and remained quiet. I kept telling him not to worry, that we were together. And of course, Allah is with us," he said.