Bangladesh cricket team to arrive early in Pakistan amid political unrest at home

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday Bangladesh men’s cricket team will arrive in the country ahead of schedule to acclimatize and get extra practice sessions before the two ICC World Test Championship fixtures in Rawalpindi and Karachi between August 21 and September 3.
The Bangladesh squad was originally scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on August 17 and hold practice sessions in Rawalpindi from August 18 to 20. However, it will now train at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore from August 14 to 16 before traveling to Pakistan’s federal capital and then following the previously determined schedule.
While the PCB did not provide an explanation for the change in plans, Bangladesh has witnessed weeks of political violence and unrest, leading to the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government and the establishment of a caretaker setup.
The events of the last few weeks have also disrupted normal life and sporting activities in that country, seemingly impacting the Bangladesh men’s cricket team’s preparations as well.
“Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about comradery,” PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said in a statement. “I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the [Bangladeshi] players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”
Naseer said the PCB was delighted Bangladesh had accepted its offer to send its players early in Pakistan.
“We look forward to welcoming the Bangladesh men’s cricket team in Lahore on 13 August with our traditional hospitality,” he continued. “This will allow them to have three additional days of training and practice at one of our iconic venues before proceeding to Islamabad as originally planned.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its offer.
“We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” he said. “This will certainly help the players to acclimate to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”
This will be Bangladesh’s first tour of Pakistan since 2020 when they played three T20Is in Lahore and a one-off Test in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh also played two ACC Asia Cup 2023 matches in Lahore against Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The team is one of the seven sides that will compete in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa.