BCB CEO says Bangladesh team will have to quarantine for one week in Sri Lanka

Bangladesh are due to play three World Test Championship fixtures against Sri Lanka.

The series will mark two nations' return to international cricket after COVID-19 hiatus | GettyAs long as the hosts stick to their promise of only a seven-day quarantine regulation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has no issues in sending the national side across to Sri Lanka for the scheduled three-match Test series, said BCB's chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury. 

The BCB on Saturday (September 12) informed of being told by its Asian counterpart, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), that the visiting team will have to isolate on arrival for only seven days instead of the earlier mandated 14-day period. 

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It was feared that the quarantine phase might eat up significant time in the lead upto what is both countries' first assignment after the extended break. The Bangladesh team, yet to get points on board in the World Test Championship, don't want to play underprepared. 

"We're communicating with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on a regular basis. We sought detailed plans from them but they informed us that they are talking with their health ministry about the quarantine period," Chowdhury told reporters.

"In our last communication with them, SLC told us that we have to be in quarantine for the first seven days after arrival, after which the players can go ahead with the training schedule."

"We believe that if it remains seven days of quarantine, we can proceed according to our plans. (But) I think we should wait for feedback from SLC before making any further comment."

The Test series was originally due to be played in July-August but had to be shifted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The rejigged schedule is likely to have Bangladesh team reaching Sri Lanka on September 27 for the Test series beginning October 24. 

Chowdhury said they are expecting to hear further from SLC "within the next two-three days" and are aware of the possible requirement to tweak their plans for the trip. 

The BCB has allowed players to train collectively. The country's leading cricketers are also set for a week-long residential camp, starting September 21, in the build-up to the tour. 

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 13 Sep, 2020

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