ICC helps break BCB-PCB ice

New AgeJan 14, 2020

The Bangladesh Cricket Board agreed to tour Pakistan for both Tests and Twenty20 internationals following a meeting of the officials from two countries in Dubai on Tuesday, said the two cricket boards.

In addition to the Tests and Twenty20s, the Pakistan Cricket Board also managed to convince Bangladesh play an one-day international in the series, which was not include in the previous itinerary

International Cricket Council chairman Shashank Manohar mediated the deal between the two countries, which will be held in three phases, according to separate statements released by the BCB and PCB.

Bangladesh will play the three-match Twenty20 international series in Lahore from January 24-27 and they are then expected to return to Pakistan for the first of the two ICC World Test Championship matches, which will be held in Rawalpindi from February 7-11.

Bangladesh will visit Pakistan again after the end of Pakistan Super League to play a one-off ODI in Karachi on April 3 and the second ICC World Test Championship fixture from April 5-9 at the same venue.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan thanked PCB for understanding their situation as their government was reluctant to provide

security clearance for a prolonged period due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle-East.

‘I must thank the PCB for understanding our position. We are pleased that a mutually acceptable resolution has been reached and this is a prime example our sincere efforts at respecting the ICC FTP commitments,’ Nazmul was quoted as saying in the BCB press release.

Nazmul met PCB chairman Ehsan Mani in Dubai on the sidelines of the ICC Governance Review Committee meeting with ICC chairman Manohar, helping the two countries break the ice.

‘I am pleased that we have amicably achieved a resolution that is in the best interest of this great sport as well as both the proud cricket playing countries,’ Mani was quoted in PCB press release.

‘I also want to thank ICC chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided and ensured the sport continues to grow and thrive in the two countries,’ he added.

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan, who also attended Tuesday’s meeting at the ICC headquarters, claimed it a ‘win-win outcome’ for both the boards.

‘I am glad that the uncertainty around the series is now over and we can start planning for the smooth delivery of the matches. Bangladesh will visit Pakistan thrice, which should give them the comfort that Pakistan is as safe and secure as any other cricket playing country,’ said Wasim.

‘The split series across three venues will also provide fans and followers to watch live in action their favourite players and support good cricket from either side,’ he added.