ISLAMABAD: The Bangladesh men’s cricket team is set to arrive in Lahore on August 13, four days ahead of their scheduled date, for their upcoming two-Test matches series against Pakistan. The team will spend three days each at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for training before the first Test match in Rawalpindi on August 21.
The decision to advance their arrival comes in response to an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aimed at providing the visiting players with adequate training opportunities amidst the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The disruption in the team’s preparations, which included difficulties for the overseas coaching staff to join them at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka due to security concerns.
Salman Naseer, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed confidence that the additional training days in Lahore would benefit the Bangladeshi cricketers. “Sports is not only about winning and losing; it’s also about camaraderie,” Naseer said in a statement. “I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”
Bangladesh’s preparations had been hampered by recent anti-government protests, which affected their training camp in Chattogram and caused disruptions at Shere Bangla National Stadium. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been working to secure the necessary clearances for their overseas coaching staff, who have faced delays due to the volatile situation.
BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury expressed gratitude to the PCB for accommodating the team’s early arrival. “We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” Chowdhury stated. “This will certainly help the players to acclimatize to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”
Alongside the senior team, the Bangladesh A team has also arrived in Pakistan after a slight delay and will engage in two four-day matches and three one-day matches as part of their tour. The senior Test squad’s final lineup is expected to be announced on Sunday.
