PSL relocation to Dubai casts doubt on Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series

The Bangladesh cricket team’s scheduled tour of Pakistan is now facing potential delays due to rising geopolitical tensions and logistical complications caused by the rescheduling of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Bangladesh was initially set to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 in two groups, with the five-match T20I series scheduled to begin on May 25 in Faisalabad. However, recent developments have cast doubt over whether the series will proceed as planned.

According to sources, the sudden relocation of the remaining PSL matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has disrupted Pakistan’s domestic cricket schedule. The PSL final, originally set for May 18, is now expected to be postponed, possibly affecting preparations for the Bangladesh series. The shift has also created logistical hurdles, which could delay the tournament’s conclusion by at least a week.

Before the decision to move PSL 10 to Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had conducted a meeting to review arrangements for the Bangladesh series. At the time, officials expressed satisfaction with the overall preparations.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is also addressing internal concerns about player safety amid the regional situation. Some Bangladeshi players have reportedly shown hesitation to tour Pakistan due to rising security concerns.

The Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series is part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), making it an important assignment for both boards. Despite uncertainties, efforts are ongoing to find a workable solution that satisfies both logistics and safety requirements.

Bangladesh had already announced a 16-member squad for their T20I tours of the UAE and Pakistan.

Bangladesh squad for UAE and Pakistan T20Is:

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.

As the situation continues to evolve, the final decision regarding the Pakistan leg of the tour is expected to be made in the coming days.