BCB delay decision on Pakistan T20I series over security concerns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to make a final decision on the scheduled five-match T20I series against Pakistan, set to begin on May 25, as it continues to monitor the situation in the country.

According to reports, the BCB said it is actively coordinating with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure the safety of its players currently taking part in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.

Two Bangladeshi cricketers — leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (Lahore Qalandars) and fast bowler Nahid Rana (Peshawar Zalmi) — are playing in the tournament.

"The BCB is in active coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to guarantee the security of our players," the board stated.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed, speaking to a local sports outlet, said the board is taking a wait-and-see approach and will decide within the next few days.

"We are really working on the current situation (as far as going to Pakistan for the T20I series) and it can wait for another three to four days," Faruque said.

"Let's see how it progresses, but at the moment, our main concern is regarding the two players (Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain) who are currently in Pakistan playing in the PSL," he added.

Meanwhile, the BCB has already announced a 16-member squad for its upcoming T20I tours of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan.

Litton Das will lead the side after Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down from captaincy earlier this year. All-rounder Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain for both tours.

Bangladesh will first play two T20Is against the UAE on May 17 and 19 in Sharjah before traveling to Pakistan for the five-match series, scheduled from May 25 to June 3.

Bangladesh T20I squad for UAE and Pakistan tour:

Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.