PCB, BCB discuss uncertain Bangladesh tour to Pakistan
BCB says safety of players and staff is its “highest priority” ahead of Pakistan tour
May 11, 2025
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that it is engaged in "active and ongoing discussions" with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, scheduled for later this month, Geo Super reported.
In a statement released on Saturday, the BCB stressed that ensuring the safety and security of its players and support staff remains paramount.
"The BCB wishes to reiterate that the safety and security of its players and support staff remain the Board's highest priority," the statement read.
"All decisions concerning the tour will be made with careful consideration of the current situation in Pakistan, ensuring they align with the best interests of the team and Bangladesh cricket," it further said.
Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 to play five T20Is in Lahore and Faisalabad, with the series expected to begin on May 25.
However, tensions along the India-Pakistan border cast uncertainty over the tour.
The Bangladesh team is set to travel to Dubai later this week as part of their tour preparations.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana — who were involved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 before it was postponed indefinitely — returned home on Friday.
Rishad, who represented Lahore Qalandars, and Rana, who played for Peshawar Zalmi, arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. They are expected to depart for the UAE along with the rest of the Bangladesh squad on Wednesday.
Given Bangladesh's upcoming international commitments, it is unlikely that the duo will rejoin the PSL if it resumes in the near future.
The PSL 10 season was abruptly suspended with eight matches still remaining, amid heightened regional tensions.
The series between Bangladesh and Pakistan now hangs in the balance as uncertainty looms.
According to sources quoted by Geo News, the remaining PSL matches are likely to be held in Rawalpindi.
PSL authorities have advised franchises to keep their overseas players in Dubai and asked local players to remain ready for action.
Efforts are reportedly underway to gather all six teams in Islamabad, with Rawalpindi being considered the frontrunner to host the remainder of the tournament.
The developments follow the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to suspend PSL 10 indefinitely, in compliance with directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The BCB had already announced its squad on May 4 for the five-match T20I series, which included both the UAE and Pakistan legs of the tour.
Litton Das was named captain, with off-spinner Mahedi Hasan appointed as vice-captain.
Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan:
Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam
