The Bangladesh T20 team departed for the UAE in two separate groups yesterday for a two-match T20 series against hosts United Arab Emirates, scheduled for May 17 and 19. Rishad Hossain and others flew out in the morning, while Najmul Hossain Shanto and his group boarded an evening flight. Despite traveling separately, the entire squad including Litton Das, reunited at the team hotel later that night.
Originally, the series was intended as a preparatory campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s scheduled tour of Pakistan. However, following recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, the UAE series has effectively become the primary assignment, as the Pakistan tour now remains uncertain.
In light of the escalating regional tensions, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet reached a decision regarding the Pakistan tour. On May 13, the BCB formally sent letters to both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking guidance on the matter. As of yesterday, no response had been received from the government.
One of BCB’s senior officials commented, “It’s difficult for us to make a decision about the Pakistan tour under the current circumstances. That’s why the responsibility has been handed over to the government. Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties with Pakistan are currently stable, and our cricketing relationship has also remained positive. Therefore, we can’t reject the tour outright. If the government approves it, we will then consult the players before making a final decision. The process will take time.”
A decision needs to be made by May 18, as Bangladesh concludes their UAE series on May 19. Should the Pakistan tour go ahead, the squad would need to set up camp either in Dubai or Lahore immediately afterward.
UA / TDS
