Bangladesh's proposed Test tour to Sri Lanka is suddenly in doubt as the hosts are yet to officially confirm an itinerary and the bio-secure plans for the three-match series to be played within the COVID-19 pandemic starting next month.
The series that was originally due to be held in July-August is now planned to kickstart from October 24. The visitors are expected to travel to the Island nation on September 27 and prepare well after the extended break for what will be both countries' first assignment since March.
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According to a report by Cricbuzz, "national health and security agencies of Sri Lanka have urged Sri Lanka Cricket to ensure that the tourists complete their 14-day mandatory quarantine after arriving in the island without any provision of training during the time frame, insisting they should remain isolated for the whole period in their hotel."
"SLC, on their part, have only unofficially relayed the information to their Bangladesh counterpart and are yet to provide the official schedule and bio-bubble plan for the tour that is due to begin in Kandy."
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had claimed of being informally conveyed that the visiting team will have the opportunity to train while serving their quarantine period, even as they won't be allowed to play any local team before the isolation phase.
"Consequently, BCB had decided to travel to Sri Lanka with an expanded High Performance squad on September 27 and were willing to foot the bills of their accommodation," the report states.
"A final squad for the Test series was due to be pruned after the conclusion of their intra-squad games, while the remainder were due to play two four-day and five one-day games against the Sri Lankan High Performance squad on the sidelines of the Tests, that are a part of the (World Test) Championship."
The scenario, however, has changed quite a bit since the news that the authorities in Sri Lanka want the tourists to finish their quarantine within the hotel premises only.
Akram Khan, the BCB chairman, told Cricbuzz this Friday (September 11) that they haven't yet received any official confirmation on the dates and venues, as well as the biosecurity regulations.
He said a concrete decision on touring can only be taken after the board's Sri Lankan counterparts give them absolute clarity on the matter, signalling that the ability to train while in the isolation period will be a major factor before a final call.
"Yes, we have heard that [their security agencies' suggesting that we need to stay there for 14 days without any provision of practice] while we are hearing a lot of other things through different sources," said Akram.
"But they are not clearing the picture by coming up with their official bio-bubble plan and itinerary. We will take the final decision regarding the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka only after we receive their plans and the schedule, which we are expecting in the upcoming days."
On Monday, Bangladesh started their preparations as 24 members expected to tour for the series gave COVID-19 tests upon regrouping. Cricketers, support staff and a few members of the High Performance unit are all part of the contingent.
A week-long residential camp, starting September 21, is being planned ahead of the tour by BCB.
"The BCB will conduct COVID-19 tests in four phases, with three tests scheduled on September 18, 21 and 24 and the final test 72 hours before they take the flight to Sri Lanka," it was reported.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
