Govt suggests for playing only T20 series in Pakistan: Papon

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DHAKA, Jan 12, 2020 (BSS) – In the wake of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, that is predicted to make an adverse impact in this region also, the government suggested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to tour Pakistan for short time only, said its president Nazmul Hasan Papon.

“We have sought the government’s order, which is mandatory for any tour as the Pakistan series approaches. However in the wake of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the government suggested us to complete the tour in a short time,” Nazmul Hasan Papon said here today.

“We have also sent them (government) the tour itinerary. Since the T20 series will be held ahead of the Test series and within short time, the government advised us to play the T20 series only at this moment and play the Test series later,” he said and adding that in this regard an advisory from government in written has already come.

Bangladesh are scheduled to visit Pakistan in January- February to play a two-match Test series along with three-match T20 series.

Earlier, BCB decided at its own to play only T20 series before getting any advice from the government. “When we decided to play the T20 series only, it was only our own decision. We didn’t seek government permission during that moment. But it was mandatory to take the permission. However during that time the Middle East issue was not there. Since the issue has come to the fore at this moment, I think government has noticed it.”

Papon revealed that they have also let the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) know their decision about this tour.

“Now it’s up to them. We want to T20 series which means we are with Pakistan in their initiative to revive cricket in their country. I think they should consider our matter.”

In the recent past, PCB proposed BCB to play the two-match Test series first and later take part in the three-match T20 series in a convenient time, precisely ahead of the next T20 World Cup.

PCB came up with the proposal after BCB made it clear that they are not ready to stay for a longer period of time in Pakistan required to complete both T20 and Test series.

PCB is adamant to revive international cricket at their own back yard and looked to be heading in that direction after Sri Lanka visited them in the recent past to play a Test series that marked resumption of Test cricket since the terrorists attack in Lahore in 2009.

But in the latest development means BCB couldn’t agree with the PCB’s proposal. It is not clear whether Bangladesh will be punished for skipping the Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship, if PCB doesn’t comply with BCB’s decision to play the T20 series first and later the Test series.

“I am not aware of the rules if anyone refuses to play Test series which is part of ICC tournament. But when the decision of World Test Championship was taken, Pakistan’s home venue was UAE. However I have to know about it from ICC,” Papon said.

Earlier, BCB president stated that most of the players are reluctant to tour Pakistan for a longer period while added they will miss the service of most of their foreign coaches in the tour as they are not ready to go to Pakistan.