We face ‘extra problem’ for Bangladesh events: Sethi

PCB chairman says security concerns to be raised in ACC meeting next month.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup and International Cricket Council World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next year seems to be a big issue in the making.

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Interim Management Committee Najam Sethi kept all the options open as he described the prevailing situation in the host country for the two coveted events as a grave concern for his body.

Speaking to the media at the Lahore airport on his return from the UAE, Sethi defined the forthcoming events to be hosted in Bangladesh a conundrum for Pakistan.

“It’s fine for other teams, but we are facing an extra problem,” said the IMC chairman.

“We will have to take extra precautions and have to keep a check on the situation in Bangladesh before making the decision on our participation.”



The strained relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh were aggravated this month after the hanging of Abdul Quader Mollah. The execution was followed by raging protests in different cities of Bangladesh, with the protesters calling for an end to diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

The PCB has already expressed its concern to the ICC but the game’s governing body appears reluctant to shift the World Twenty20 from Bangladesh.

Sethi said he will raise the issue at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for early next month in Sri Lanka.

“I’ll be leaving for Sri Lanka on January 4 where the matter will be raised. The discussion on the situation in Bangladesh will be discussed before any decision.”

Bangladesh will host the Asia Cup from February 24 to March 7 while the World Twenty20 will be staged from March 16 to April 6.

More youngsters will be inducted in team

Sethi expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.

He said the youngsters are teaming up well with the senior players.

“Hafeez’s form is good while [Shahid] Afridi is also giving a good show as an all-rounder,” said Sethi, before hinting at the return of Hafeez and the inclusion of more youngsters for the three-match Test series. Sethi also praised pacer Umar Gul’s effort in the third match of the ODI series.

“Gul has lost some pace but his swing and line and length is exemplary. His spell turned the match on its head on Sunday.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2013.

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