PCB set to give Bangladesh green signal

Likely to confirm Asia Cup participation after security trip: official.

KARACHI:

After raising security concerns for national cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seemingly softened its stance on the team’s participation at the forthcoming Asia Cup in Bangladesh. 

PCB Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Najam Sethi went to Dubai for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) meeting. His aim was to convey his security apprehensions over the Bangladesh turmoil and ask the governing body to assess back up options in case the situation deteriorated further, but now it seems that Pakistan is likely to take the field.

The recent unrest in Bangladesh due to general elections and the growing anti-Pakistan sentiment in the last few weeks had prompted the PCB to request a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20.

However, Sethi upon his return from Dubai early Friday, said both the tournaments will be held in Bangladesh as scheduled.

The IMC chairman had a detailed meeting with top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, where the host board ‘convinced’ Sethi about the security arrangements.

Although Sethi avoided confirming Pakistan’s participation, his stance appears to have changed considerably.

“The BCB has handed us the security plan for Sri Lanka [bilateral series], the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.

“Our security official [Colonel Azam] will attend the security meeting in Bangladesh on January 20 to also  assess the situation there.

“I raised security concerns in general and in particular for the Pakistan team. After that, the BCB officials promised to make special arrangements in case the PCB asks for a beef-up.

“In addition, the BCB conveyed that they have got assurance from all political and religious parties that they will not disrupt the events.”

Sethi further emphasised the importance of Pakistan’s participation in the two tournaments as a withdrawal would further isolate the PCB besides resulting in a financial loss.

Board hopeful of government clearance

A well-placed official stated that the PCB was looking forward to participating in the Asia Cup.

“The PCB was concerned about the situation, but that has changed following the meeting with BCB officials,” the official told The Express Tribune. 

Meanwhile, the official hoped the government would not bar Pakistan from participating in the two events.

“If PCB gets security clearance, the government is unlikely to restrict participation.”

Bangladesh has promised enhanced security for the Pakistan cricket team during next month’s Asia Cup.

“The BCB has assured the PCB of enhanced security measures for their national cricket team during the Asia Cup. Security aspects surrounding Pakistan team’s participation was discussed among representatives of Asian nations” said a BCB release. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2014.

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