New troubles for Tigers to play the Champions Trophy. Photo: Prothom Alo
The equation was simple. Bangladesh would play the Champions Trophy 2017 if they win any two ODIs during the tours of South Africa and India. However, now there is a new twist. Zimbabwe is planning to hold a three-nation series with Pakistan and West Indies.
Initially Zimbabwe was planning to organise a bilateral series with Pakistan. But now things have got a little complicated as West Indies have also been invited to the series.
In the ICC ODI ranking, Bangladesh are now seventh while West Indies and Pakistan are left to compete for the eighth slot. The top eight teams in the ranking will play the Champions Trophy.
According to the FTP, Pakistan will play a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in July and three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in August. West Indies were not supposed to play any game till September. The three-nation series might change the whole picture.
Bangladesh will play a three-match ODI series against South Africa in this July. Pakistan will play a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Tigers have nothing to worry about the Champions Trophy even if they lose in all matches against South Africa.
If Tigers win by 3-0 against South Africa, their rating point will be 99. If they win in two matches, the rating will shoot up to 96. One win will make it 92.7. If Bangladesh lose in all three matches the rating point will end up in 89.8.
Currently, West Indies’ rating point is 88.4. Bangladesh have nothing to worry about if West Indies do not participate in any series.
Sri Lanka will play a five-match series against Pakistan in July. If Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5-0, their rating point will be 94. If they win by 4-1, the rating point will be 91.7. Three wins will shoot up the rating point at 89.8. Two wins will make it 87.8 and one win will make it 85.9. A whitewash will defer their dream to play the Champions Trophy in 2017. In order to win the race against West Indies, Pakistan have to win at least three matches.
An official of Zimbabwe Cricket Board said, “We have invited West Indies for the three-nation series. However, nothing has been finalised yet.”
A question arises, why this sudden change in plan right after Bangladesh’s win over India? Is there anyone plotting all these behind Zimbabwe?
Source: Prothom Alo
