PCB seeks permission from Bangladesh to hoist Pakistani flag during practice

Critics say raising Pakistani flags in Bangladesh may be taken as a 'political message'

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) whether it can hoist the Pakistani flag during their practice sessions in Dhaka.

The request for permission from the cricket board comes in the backdrop of ongoing heated discussion in Bangladesh about whether Pakistani flags should be allowed in the country which has had historically bitter relations with Pakistan after its secession.

Critics have argued that hoisting the Pakistani flag during practice could be meant as a "political message".

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As per media reports, a PCB spokesperson said displaying flags of both countries during the sessions was a norm and hoped that it would not raise eyebrows.

However, he said a formal permission has been sought from the Bangladesh authorities.

Till now, the Bangladesh cricket board has not expressed any displeasure over the practice sessions, nor staged any protest, media reports said.

In case the BCB denies permission, the Pakistani cricket authorities will review the decision and convey the same to the team management.