The escalating political conflict between India and Pakistan is beginning to impact the global cricket calendar. Following the indefinite suspension of both countries’ premier franchise tournaments—the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL)—international series are now also facing disruptions.
A cloud of uncertainty had already formed over India’s upcoming series against Bangladesh. Now, the Bangladesh-Pakistan T20I series, originally scheduled to begin on May 25, is also likely to be postponed.
Amid growing security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially relocated the remainder of the PSL to the UAE. However, shortly thereafter, the board officially suspended the final eight matches of the tournament indefinitely. The PSL final was originally scheduled for May 18, but due to the volatile situation, it is no longer feasible.
This disruption is expected to affect the planned five-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Bangladesh team was set to arrive in Pakistan on May 21, but that is now unlikely. Before that, Bangladesh is scheduled to play a two-match T20I series in the UAE, but uncertainty looms over the Pakistan leg of the tour.
Despite the potential delay, cancellation is not on the table, according to Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the PCB. In a statement to local media, he said: “There are still around two weeks left before the series is due to start. At this point, we don’t see any reason to be alarmed. The situation has not reached a point where cancellation is necessary. We remain optimistic about hosting the series against Bangladesh and are in regular communication with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.”
According to the PCB’s announced itinerary, the five T20Is were scheduled for May 25, May 27, May 30, June 1, and June 3. Originally, the tour was to include three ODIs and three T20Is, but was later revised into a five-match T20I series to help both teams better prepare for the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup.
