Right after the UAE series, the Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to fly to Pakistan for a five-match T20 International series led by Liton Das. However, recent reports suggest that the number of matches in the series might be reduced.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously announced the full schedule for the Bangladesh-Pakistan series, but due to current circumstances, changes seem likely. Sources reveal that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has proposed reducing the series from five to three T20 matches. It is also likely that all the games will be played at the same stadium.
Players have reportedly requested the board to finish the series before Eid, so they can return home early. Eid-ul-Azha in Bangladesh is expected to fall on June 6 or 7, depending on moon sighting. With fewer matches, players like Zakir Ali, Anik, and Towhid Hridoy will be able to return from Pakistan sooner.
If both boards agree on the shortened three-match series based on security concerns and player preferences, cricket between the two countries could resume smoothly despite recent tensions. According to sources, Liton Das and Zakir Ali’s squad will depart for Pakistan on May 22.
Currently, Bangladesh and UAE are tied 1-1 in their ongoing three-match T20 series, with the decider set to be played tomorrow in Sharjah. To reduce travel fatigue, the BCB had proposed adding an extra T20 match to the UAE series, a suggestion which the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has accepted.
The ongoing India-Pakistan military conflict has negatively impacted cricket schedules. The IPL and PSL were temporarily suspended but have since resumed, with the IPL final scheduled for June 3 and the PSL concluding on May 25. The Bangladesh-Pakistan series was initially set to start on May 25 but is now delayed due to the PSL final.
Sources indicate the five-match Bangladesh-Pakistan T20I series may now be held from May 27 to June 5.
