Amid the novel Coronavirus outbreak, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that 'they are awaiting a 'final call' from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the last leg of Bangladesh's tour to Pakistan.
See Also: PCB changes PSL schedule amid Coronavirus threat, final to be now played on March 18
Bangladesh are due to arrive in Karachi later this month to play a one-day international on April 1 and then the second Test of the ICC World Test Championship from April 5, also at the National Stadium.
So far, Pakistan has recorded more than 20 positive cases for COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than 5,000 lives globally while infecting close to 1,50,000.
"I talked with Nizamuddin, (BCB's chief executive) but he will first talk to his board and hopefully we will get some clarity in the next three days," Waseem Khan, PCB chief executive, revealed on Saturday (March 14).
Threat over the upcoming series initially surfaced when Pakistan reported its first case of Coronavirus on February 26 in Karachi.
Bangladesh were scheduled to travel to Karachi on March 29 but now it seems highly unlikely with fears surrounding the deadly disease.
“Pakistan is hosting the series so they will take the decision [regarding the upcoming tour of Pakistan] as it is their call. Let's wait for their decision," BCB chief executive, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, said.
“You are probably informed that least 9 to 10 cricketers returned back from their ongoing domestic tournament (PSL) and as a touring country we are waiting for their decision. The travel advisory have also given us different opinions and we are quite concerned about it. We are hopeful that PCB will announce their stand on the upcoming tour and announce their [final] decision soon," he further added.
Considering the recent developments, BCB’s media committee chairman Jalal Yunus has said that they are not ready to accept any changes like alternative venue as it would increase security concerns.
"I do not see any chance of the tour going ahead even if Pakistan proposed an alternative venue other than Karachi. BCB won't agree to a last minute venue change as that would increase security concerns," Yunus remarked.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
