Bangladesh promises extra security for Pakistan in Asia Cup

E-Paper | April 29, 2026

DUBAI: Bangladesh on Friday promised enhanced security for the Pakistan cricket team during next month's Asia Cup, after political unrest in Dhaka endangered their participation in the regional event.

The Asian Cricket Council last week decided to host the event in Dhaka from February 25-March 8 despite violence and protests in the wake of January 5 national elections, which opposition parties boycotted.

Anti-Pakistan sentiments were also sparked after Islamabad's protest over the execution of leader Abdul Quader Mollah in December last year.

Protesters burnt Pakistani flags and staged demonstrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.

Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting on Thursday.

“The BCB has assured the PCB of enhanced security measures for their national cricket team during the Asia Cup and security aspects surrounding the Pakistan team's participation was discussed among representatives of Asian nations on the sidelines of the ICC meeting,” said a BCB release.

BCB acting chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said the PCB had requested additional security.

“We have had a positive discussion. The PCB has requested additional security measures for the Pakistan team which will be incorporated in our security plan. We have assured the PCB that their requirements will be fulfilled,” said Nizam.

PCB interim chairman Najam Sethi said BCB had accepted the request for additional security.

“BCB has given a formal statement saying the Pakistan team will be provided whatever additional or special security it asked for over and above those for other teams,” Sethi told AFP.

“We are sending our top security official to Bangladesh to attend an ICC security meeting in January and to review security plan,” said Sethi.

The hosting of Asia Cup will also help Bangladesh send a positive signal ahead of its staging of the ICC World Twenty20 from March 16 to April 6 this year.

Bangladesh media reported ICC security official Sean Morris would assess the situation in the country from next week before holding a security meeting on January 20.

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Taimoor Khan

Jan 10, 2014 04:48pm

Stay out of it. Boot needs to be on the other side for a chance.

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ali ahmed

Jan 10, 2014 05:24pm

No. Don't believe in their promises. Sheikh Haseena Wajid and his party is anti-Pakistan. I am unable to understand why Pakistan is asking for a promise. Don't go there. Don't put the lives of our cricketers in danger. Pakistani players themselves should refuse to play in Bangladesh.

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pier

Jan 10, 2014 05:32pm

Dear Friends, Pakistan should not forget the way they were treated them when Pakistan requested Bangladesh to tour Pakistan, They refused to tour Pakistan for security reason which did not exist against Bangladesh, the violence in Bangladesh directly involve Pakistan , they should refrain from partisepating in Asia Cup or any other tournament as long the Awami League in Power.

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Jan 10, 2014 06:26pm

I am surprised that the indian team has agreed to play despite serious unrest.. If life goes on and players ar ok to play, then why this monopoly and politics involved in playing home against pakistan ?

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Rogers Evans

Jan 10, 2014 06:39pm

No way. Pakistan must not trust Banfladesh or their promises. Pakistan should not send team. Players will not perform well under these life-threatening situation. These are mere hollow words and promises. Please do not put lives of players and team officials in danger. Bangladesh ( especially Awami League) consider Pakistan as their enemy.

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Youth

Jan 10, 2014 06:43pm

Against all advice if PCB decides to tour Bangladesh & God for bid if any untoward incident happens there in Bangladesh be it even from the spectators then Najam Sethi alongwith his deputies should be held responsible. Only weeks ago Pakistani flag was openly burnt in Bangladesh & the Pakistan embassy was roughen yet PCB is so interested to tour there. Najam Sethi should know that nothing is above national pried. Earlier Bangladesh cricket board kicked PCB' request to tour Pakistan.

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saif ahmed

Jan 10, 2014 09:28pm

PCB will bow down to it's Master. It has no courage to stand up for the players, greed will overcome national interest as always. We have helped Bangladesh all the way in their quest to become test nation and what we got in return. They refused to visit us while there were no security threats against them. I am sure they would not refuse to visit India even if the situation was worse than Pakistan. Why are we so desperate to go there?

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Ahmed

Jan 10, 2014 09:56pm

Bangladesh infact is west pakistan pro indian lobby involve in recent unrest and against pakistan. Sheikh Hasina herself is pro india. We don't expect any good from sheikh hasina and company.

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Riaz

Jan 10, 2014 11:15pm

Mr. Sethi Don't insult this nation anymore . You might have no pride but this nation can't ignore the humiliation of Bangladesh during last couple of tours. Why Bangladesh is so important for you? Pakistani should make strong protest on all social media if the team goes to Bangladesh

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Shahryar Shirazi

Jan 11, 2014 01:28am

@pier: Well in that case the B'deshis should not forget what we did to them in 1970/71. We cannot afford to stay out of a tournament. It will further isolate us. Shahryar

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Ahmer

Jan 11, 2014 01:56am

Time to remember how BD players refused to play in Pakistan with a lame pretext. Our players have far more solid grounds to fear for their safety in that country.

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Jaswinder Singh

Jan 11, 2014 04:08am

No security will be available to Pakistan team bangladesh is not safe right now and will not be safe for another 3 to 5 years.

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Joshi

Jan 11, 2014 04:11am

What security this country is totally unsafe I am still trying to recover my money for the goods I had supplied to a person in dhaka and it's been three years now come on this government will make any promise but will never keep it.

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Monim

Jan 11, 2014 04:29am

In my opinion Pakistani team should not go to Bangladesh, They will be mistreated there. But my gut feeling is that Pakistan will send the team to Bangladesh because we can not stand up for our recognition and little bit of respect. Our leader have sold the dignity and respect of the nation.

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M. Emad

Jan 11, 2014 07:13am

Pakistan begged for 'extra security'. Sheikh Hasina assured 'extra security' to Pakistan team. Pakistan lost before the game even start !

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Ravi

Jan 11, 2014 07:19am

The tournament should go on as scheduled. The unrest in Bangladesh is temporary and not directed against cricket. When India and Sri Lanka have no problem, Pakistan is the only team concerned. If anti-Pakistan feelings is a concern, than same feeling exist in India as well. Why don't you do introspection ?

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jan 11, 2014 08:10am

As long as the corrupt, dictatorial in the guise of democratic, revenge seeking, kangaroo court supporting and autocratic administration of Haseena Wajid et al. remain in power in Bangladesh, all types and any types of participation in sports including cricket must be banned by the Pakistani government.

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Yankee Cricket Fan

Jan 11, 2014 10:06am

@ali ahmed: Hey Ali, or anybody else in Pakistan, please do what the Bangladeshi fans did when their board was thinking of sending their team over to Pakistan, which is that someone goes to the court and files a case that forbids the team from leaving for Bangladesh until the public hearing is held on their 'security arrangement'. By the time the court gets around to having a hearing, a year will pass by. If I were in Pakistan, I'd do that tomorrow.

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Bipul

Jan 11, 2014 12:23pm

The only way Pakistani cricket would start getting the cricket back if they start making some bold decisions like playing in adverse country. Tit for tat will only affect cricket in Pakistan.

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MusaRahman

Jan 11, 2014 03:09pm

I am fully confused what you guys want. You love to visit India for cricket tour, however scared to visit Bangladesh! Do not act like a super power country. As a Bangladeshi, my point of view: 'you want extra security, you are promised to get it'. Now, everything is in your court. If you wish to come, you are welcome, not want to come, we have no objection. @Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmed, you are brain washed and arrogant.

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kash

Jan 11, 2014 05:28pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad: AGREE

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Taimoor Khan

Jan 11, 2014 05:37pm

@MusaRahman: Right! what was your issue when you didnt bother turning up for Pakistan tour when we promised you lot security? You are having anti-Pakistan protest going in your country as we speak, with his highly toxic anti Pakistan government at helm. Thanks but no thanks, we rather stay out of this, and if god forbid anything bad happen to our boys while they they in Bangladesh, its you lot who will suffer most. We will wait till we have a friendly Pakistani government at helm in Bangladesh, till then, we are just fine not visiting your country.

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Nazia

Jan 11, 2014 06:32pm

@MusaRahman: you should ask this question to yourself to

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Ebrahim

Jan 11, 2014 06:57pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad: Totally agree with Dr Salaria. Further Bangla Desh acted very funny and called off the tour that was arranged and agreed by both Pakistan and Bangladesh Boards. Considering both the issues Pakistan should refuse to go to Bangladesh, forget the double standards of ICC.

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Monrach

Jan 11, 2014 08:12pm

**Good to ask for extra security but can you trust these Mir Jaffars and Mir Saadiqs of 21st century? It will be Excellent to watch the whole Bangla Team weeping like a new born baby trying hard to put Pakistanis down.There hate against Pakistan has always cost them the whole game.**

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Masoud

Jan 11, 2014 08:19pm

Why should the promise made by BCB be trusted, they have no control over mob attack. Pakistani players will face a very abusive crowd internally & might face mob attack outside the stadium. No point in going to Bangladesh to play cricket under the hanging sword of all possible attack on team Pakistan. Players safety & national pride is more important that few matches team Pakistan will be playing there in a very hostile situation.

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MusaRahman

Jan 11, 2014 08:36pm

@Taimoor Khan, We respect view of Pakistan people and I have full respect on your logical view. However, think it rationally, on that time, even neutral umpires are also not coming due to security concern. Furthermore, PCB stated that if we do not tour here in Pakistan than they will not give no objection to players to participate in BPL T20. Still, BCB try to arrange tour base on volunteer participation from players from Bangladesh to tour Pakistan. However, petition was submitted for safety of players (I do not remember but something was happened in Pakistan on that time) and our supreme court cancel Pakistan tour. There was lack of communication between BCB and PCB and both board are more busy with their media. Anyway, we can debate more logical argument on it and it is better for us to stop, Well wishers for Pakistan general people

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Ahmed

Jan 11, 2014 09:41pm

PCB & Pak Govt. should not think of sending team to B' Desh because of security concerns & unfriendly attitude of their Govt. Remember , when Pak team beat B ' Desh in final match , Shiekh Haseena walked away from Dacca stadium so that she does not have to give away the Trophy to Pak team. Besides , B'Deshi team also had refused to come to Pak despite our security assurances. This is besides our help to them to gain Test status & thereafter. No amount of pressure from any quarter should be accepted. Nothing is bigger than national pride & security of players. For once we should think of Pak first.

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Dr Afzal USA

Jan 11, 2014 10:50pm

Pakistan must not participate in Bangladesh.

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MR. MONIR HASAN

Jan 11, 2014 10:54pm

@ali ahmed: Man from Bangladesh We understand your concern & agony. I hope you have seen we r cricket crazy nation. Cricket is above all to us even politics. U know during ICC meeting BCB president call PM Seikh Hasina. She promises cricket is above all, PK shouldn,t be worry. There are millions PK Cricket lover in Bangladesh. We have tried to come your country Heart & soul. We went last point but Protest of common people, journalist,lawyers, student dint us. I welcome you to watch the crowed of Asia Cup u will get your answer.

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MR. MONIR HASAN

Jan 11, 2014 10:54pm

@Monim: Man from Bangladesh We understand your concern & agony. I hope you have seen we r cricket crazy nation. Cricket is above all to us even politics. U know during ICC meeting BCB president call PM Seikh Hasina. She promises cricket is above all, PK shouldn,t be worry. There are millions PK Cricket lover in Bangladesh. We have tried to come your country Heart & soul. We went last point but Protest of common people, journalist,lawyers, student dint us. I welcome you to watch the crowed of Asia Cup u will get your answer.

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CricketOne

Jan 12, 2014 04:42am

@MusaRahman: Confused - yes you should be. But remember it was Bangladesh, who refused to tour Pakistan on the same grounds, given the similar situation, on the same grounds. And additionally, the situation in Pakistan was dangerous to all teams at the same level - while in Bangladesh the situation is more toxic for Pakistan. Pakistan may or may not be super power but you are in your own words "brain washed and arrogant."

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CricketOne

Jan 12, 2014 04:44am

@Bipul: And what about affecting Bangladesh ?

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CricketOne

Jan 12, 2014 04:46am

@Ravi: For sure, India has a much more mature government as compared to Bangladesh.

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Yankee Cricket Fan

Jan 12, 2014 05:34am

@Bipul: Really, so if Pakistan came to play, will Bangladesh feel obligated and send their team in return? Do you really think that is going to happen? If so, do you live in Disneyland. Pakistan should do what is in its best interest, and for once, not get pressured into doing something that does not gain them anything in return. Pakistan should not accept any promises by BCB of a return tour because they cannot guarantee anything, neither their safety nor a return tour. Pakistan should only travel to Bangladesh if first, there really is a safe environment for their team, second, Bangladesh comes to Pakistan for a short tour prior to the tournament. If neither happens, its 'thanks but no thanks'.

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Pakistani

Jan 13, 2014 09:48am

@MusaRahman: You have made a very good point here, and as a pakistani i like to ask same question why we want to send our team to india who are also very unfriendly towards pakistan as well. If we want to skip BD than we should also support pulling out of any India tour as well let's not be hypocrites here............at the same time going to BD does not seem logical either because of the down outright hatred towards Pakistan. It is time PCB stands up but i forgot what I am saying PCB is corrupt and they only understand the language of MONEY........I am sure they will send Pakistan team because they have no back bone to stand up either...............

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Naveed

Jan 13, 2014 03:06pm

A big no no, the Pakistan team should not be sent to Bangladesh, the problem with us Pakistanis is that we have a short memory and that caused us a lot in the past in the hands of so called umrah. Don't we remember that when we won the Asia cup last time in Bangladesh the filthy prime minister of Bangladesh left the stadium, could not even swallow the victory, cause she hates Pakistan from every angle. Bengladeshies cannot be trusted, sorry a big No No.

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Monim

Jan 13, 2014 07:24pm

@MR. MONIR HASAN : I know there are thousands of fans there who loves players, Afridi, Hafeez and others but present government of Hassina Wajid and her followers have created a sentiment which is unfavorable for the Pakistani players. How could the police control the crowd throwing cans and bottles in the stadium during the game. Its very discouraging when players are demoralized by these acts and loose focus! I have nothing against Bangladesh, I have many friends here in US who are from Bangladesh.

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