Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday (August 10) confirmed that the Bangladesh men’s cricket team will arrive early in Pakistan to prepare for the two ICC World Test Championship fixtures.
Earlier, it was speculated that Bangladesh red-ball side may not travel to Pakistan due to current civil unrest in the country.
The Tigers are scheduled to play two Tests in Rawalpindi (August 21-25) and Karachi (August 30-September 3).
“Originally scheduled to arrive on 17 August in Islamabad, the Bangladesh team will now land in Lahore on the morning of 13 August. The team will train at the Gaddafi Stadium from 14-16 August before traveling to Islamabad on 17 August to hold practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 18-20 August,” PCB said in a media release.
“The PCB had extended an invitation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to send their team earlier, ensuring they have adequate and fair training opportunities ahead of the ICC World Test Championship matches,” it added.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said, “Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about comradery. I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.
“We are delighted that the BCB have accepted our offer and we look forward to welcoming the Bangladesh men’s cricket team in Lahore on 13 August with our traditional hospitality. 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.”
On the other hand, BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said: “We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan. 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 one-off Test in Rawalpindi.
(With PCB Inputs)
