Security officials converge in Dhaka for WorldT20

PCB awaits outcome; Afridi links BPL with Asia Cup go-ahead.

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding a security meeting in Dhaka on Monday to assess the situation at different venues, with the meeting being deemed crucial for the fate of Asia Cup besides the World Twenty20.

Although Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to confirm participation for the Asian event, Misbahul Haq’s men have already been included in the tournament itinerary.

The PCB has linked the Bangladesh tour to the security official’s visit and advice by the government.

The country is scheduled to host the Asia Cup for the second successive time (February 25 to Match 7) before the World T20, starting from March 16.

Monday’s meeting is deemed crucial as any decision is also likely to affect the fate of the Asia Cup.



Reportedly, several boards including England Cricket Board, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have also sent their representatives to gauge the situation.

The PCB, that raised the queries on players’ safety, has sent security officer Col R Azam to attend the meeting.

“The security officer’s report will be crucial,” a PCB official told The Express Tribune.

“PCB will take the government’s advice in light of the security assessment to make a decision on the Asia Cup.”

Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board assured PCB to provide special security arrangements for the visiting Pakistan team.

Afridi bats for Bangladesh league

Interestingly, amid the indecision by the board, senior all-rounder Shahid Afridi expressed the desire of seeing Pakistan players play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

“I will request the PCB to allow players to play the BPL, if they decide to send team for the Asia Cup,” the cricketer told reporters in Lahore on Sunday.

“It is in the players’ interest and PCB should permit us to play in the BPL.”

It may be recalled that the PCB last year stopped players from participating in the BPL after the Bangladesh board twice cancelled their tour of Pakistan in 2012.

Afridi fetched the second highest bid of $275,000 after compatriot Imran Nazir, was sold for $280,000, in the 2013 edition of the BPL.

Afridi also shrugged off a debate about a local or foreign coach for the national team.

“A coach should be professional and supportive to players, especially for the ones going through bad patches.

Meanwhile, Abdul Razzaq showed his availability for the forthcoming World T20.

The senior all-rounder, who was sent back from South Africa due to an injury, said he has regained his fitness and has the resolve to play international cricket for another year and a half.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2014.

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