Bangladesh to decide on Pakistan tour later

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has left a final decision on the Pakistan tour scheduled for next month pending amid the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan.

After an emergency meeting on Saturday, the BCB said it would “observe the overall situation” before coming to a decision.

However, the tour of the United Arab Emirates, slated before the trip to Pakistan, will go ahead as planned. Bangladesh are supposed to leave for the UAE on May 14.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed called a board meeting in the afternoon. Later a media statement said the safety and security of the players would be the top priority in whatever decision the BCB takes.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in active and ongoing discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the Bangladesh National Team's forthcoming tour of Pakistan,” the statement read.

“The BCB wishes to reiterate that the safety and security of its players and support staff remain the Board's highest priority.

“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,” it added.

According to the itinerary, Bangladesh will play two T20s against the UAE, on May 17 and 19 before flying to Pakistan on May 21.

One of the directors who attended Saturday’s meeting, but did not want to be named, said the decision on the Pakistan tour could come during the series against the UAE.