The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to make a change in plans. Their men’s side, which was set to travel for a 2-match Test series against Pakistan on August 17, will now leave five days early. Amid political unrest, it was uncertain whether the series would go ahead as scheduled, and their ‘A’ tour was postponed as well.
Hours after their ‘A’ side landed in Islamabad, we’re hearing that the senior side will reach Pakistan on August 12 to prepare for the Test series, which starts on August 21. According to Cricbuzz, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had offered to host Bangladesh for an extended period of time and provide them with necessary training facilities in Rawalpindi (the venue for the first Test).
It looks like the BCB has taken the PCB’s offer, and they’ll travel five days in advance now. Pakistan has already announced their squad, and Bangladesh will name theirs on August 1, a day before they leave. Two of Bangladesh’s main players, Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam, are currently playing in the Global T20 League Canada and will travel directly from there if selected.
Foreign coaches to join late
However, their foreign coaching staff, which consists of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, bowling coach Andre Adams, assistant coach Nic Pothas, spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed, batting coach David Hemp, and strength and conditioning coach Nathan Kelly, won’t travel with the team. They’ll opt to skip the practice session and join them directly for the Test series.
“We cannot force them to attend practice sessions given their travel restrictions. The fact that several police stations in the city are still not operating is a significant concern. We are working on getting the team to Pakistan earlier,” a BCB official told Cricbuzz.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 21-25 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd Test | August 30-September 3 | National Stadium, Karachi |
