Bangladesh cricketers to tour Pakistan for 3-match T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have successfully reached an agreement confirming Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20 International series.

Following productive discussions in Dubai, both boards finalized the arrangement, with all matches scheduled to be played in Lahore. Initially, a five-match series had been proposed, with tentative dates set between May 25 and June 3. Later, the PCB suggested revised dates from May 27 to June 5. However, after further negotiations, the tour has been officially reduced to three matches. The final decision was confirmed in a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, BCB Chairman Nazmul Abedin, and BCB President Faruque Ahmed.

Bangladesh will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who recently took over as T20I captain following Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resignation. Meanwhile, off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain for both the Pakistan and UAE tours.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his appreciation for the BCB’s confidence in Pakistan as a secure host, highlighting the significance of this tour in strengthening cricketing ties between the two nations.

The tour had initially faced uncertainty due to political tensions between Pakistan and India and the mid-season postponement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Bangladesh was originally scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 in two groups, with Faisalabad being the primary venue for matches. However, logistical considerations led to all matches being shifted to Lahore.

Bangladesh squad for T20Is against Pakistan:

Litton Das (captain), 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