Recent geopolitical tensions are casting a shadow over planned cricket series involving Bangladesh, with uncertainty looming over both Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan and India's tour of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's Tour of Pakistan in Doubt
Bangladesh's scheduled tour of Pakistan for a five-match T20I series is now uncertain due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The series, initially set to include three ODIs, was adjusted to feature five T20Is to help both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The matches are scheduled to be played between May 25 and June 3, with the first two T20Is at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and the remaining three at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed concerns about the safety of its players. The BCB is in close contact with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi players currently in Pakistan for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). These players are leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, playing for Lahore Qalandars, and fast bowler Nahid Rana, playing for Peshawar Zalmi.
BCB President Faruque Ahmed stated that the board is prioritizing the safety of the players in Pakistan and will wait a few more days before making a final decision on whether the tour will proceed. He noted that the tour could be canceled if the situation across the India-Pakistan border worsens. Despite the uncertainty, the BCB has already named a 16-player squad for the T20 tours of the UAE and Pakistan. Before the Pakistan leg, Bangladesh is scheduled to play two matches against the UAE on May 17 and 19 in Sharjah.
India's Tour of Bangladesh Faces Uncertainty
India's scheduled tour of Bangladesh in August, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, is also under a cloud. The tour is part of the Future Tours Programme, with the Indian team set to arrive in Dhaka on August 13. The ODI series is scheduled to begin on August 17 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, with the second ODI on August 20 at the same venue. The third ODI is scheduled for August 23 in Chattogram. The T20I series is set to begin on August 26 in Chattogram, followed by the second and third T20Is on August 29 and 31 in Mirpur.
However, recent cross-border tensions and controversial statements from a retired Bangladeshi army officer have raised concerns. Maj Gen (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman suggested that Bangladesh should occupy India's northeastern states if India attacks Pakistan. This statement has led to a possibility that India might reconsider their tour to Bangladesh. A source quoted by the Times of India stated that while the tour is part of the calendar, nothing is final, and there is a "bright possibility" of India not touring Bangladesh due to the current situation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely monitoring the situation. The uncertainty surrounding India's participation in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled after the Bangladesh series, further complicates the situation.
In summary, both Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan and India's tour of Bangladesh are facing uncertainty due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions. Decisions on whether these series will proceed are expected in the coming days as the respective cricket boards continue to assess the security and diplomatic climate.
