KARACHI: A couple of series in Pakistan involving Bangladesh women and BD’s junior men’s U-16 outfit are scheduled to commence in the last week of this month but reports say that the visitors are keen to assess the security arrangements prior to the tours.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the one hand, is upbeat about the two series and has already announced the training camp for women cricketers in Muridke.

“As of now, both Bangladesh outfits are coming as per schedule and we are gearing up for the series accordingly. The PCB is in constant touch with our Bangladesh counterparts in this regard,” the PCB spokesperson told this correspondent.

On the other hand, the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Jalal Yunus was of the opinion that the above mentioned trips were still subject to security clearance for which the assessment team would visit Pakistan very soon.

“The security assessment team will reach Pakistan in a few days and on the basis of their report a final call with regards to the tour will be made,” Jalal Yunus said

Bangladesh women team is scheduled to reach Lahore on October 23 to feature in three T20I matches and two ODIs in Lahore. The series starts with the opening T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on October 26.

“Government’s nod is essential for the Pakistan tour. The time is running out but there will be no delay in the itinerary if the trips go on”, the BCB spokesman added

Regarding the senior men’s team trip to Pakistan in January, the BCB spokesperson said it will be pondered upon in due course of time.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2019