Bangladesh to begin Pakistan tour early due to unfavourable conditions in Dhaka
Despite their concerns, BCB confirmed that Pakistan tour was on after receiving assurances from Pakistani authorities. PHOTO: AFP
The Bangladesh cricket team is set to arrive in Lahore on August 13, four days earlier than initially planned, following an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The team was originally scheduled to land in Islamabad on August 17 but has adjusted its plans due to challenging conditions in Dhaka, which have hindered their practice opportunities.
The PCB extended an offer to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to send their team to Pakistan ahead of schedule, allowing them to train before the upcoming Test series.
Bangladesh will now spend three days practicing at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium before travelling to Islamabad.
Salman Naseer, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, expressed his satisfaction with the revised arrangements, emphasising the importance of providing Bangladesh with adequate preparation time before the Test series.
He stated, "Sports is not just about winning and losing, it's also about friendship."
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The Bangladesh team will continue their preparations in Rawalpindi, where they will practice at the Rawalpindi Stadium from 18th to 20th August.
The first Test match is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi starting August 21, followed by the second Test in Karachi on August 30.
Nizamuddin Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer of the BCB, expressed gratitude towards the PCB for their support, noting that the additional training facilities in Pakistan would enhance the team's readiness for the Test series.
This collaboration comes in the wake of Pakistan’s efforts to resume international cricket tours in the country, which had been suspended for several years due to security concerns.
The PCB previously sent its team on tours to England and New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating its commitment to international cricket.
The rescheduled arrival and early practice sessions are expected to provide the Bangladesh team with much-needed preparation time as they gear up for a challenging Test series in Pakistan.