LAHORE: The prevailing law and order situation in Bangladesh due to political turmoil has delayed the country’s ‘A’ side’s departure to Pakistan for 50-over and red-ball matches against the hosts’ developmental team Shaheens.

Bangladesh ‘A’ were scheduled to land in Islamabad in the wee hours of Wednesday in order to play two four-day and three 50-over matches from August 10-27, but the country’s cricket board has notified its Pakistan counterpart of a 48-hour delay.

“The BCB has confirmed to the PCB their men’s ‘A’ cricket team’s departure for Islamabad has been delayed by 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a press release late on Monday.

“The BCB and PCB have been in regular contact for the past two days and will continue to work together on the revised tour itinerary with further details to follow in due course.”

Moreover, sources said the PCB had offered the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to send its Test team to Pakistan for the upcoming two-Test series — which starts from Aug. 21 — in advance to train and practice in Rawalpindi before the start of the first Test.

The BCB, however, is yet to respond to the offer, sources added.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2024