The Bangladesh men’s three-trial run against Sri Lanka could be postponed until October if talks between the BCB and SLC go through. The tour, Bangladesh’s first three-game red ball streak in six years, was originally scheduled for July-August but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the BCB is also considering sending their high performance team to Sri Lanka for a longer period as the group has not met to train in the past four months.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that the ICC’s announcement of three World Cups in the next three years has seen Bangladesh change its international schedule and enter all series previously postponed in the coming months. The Sri Lanka tour is the first on this list.
Chowdhury said both councils are interested in hosting the test series this very year.
“The announcement by the ICC of the three major tournaments provided the window we can work with because now that we know the tournament dates are set, we can work with our schedule,” Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo. “Both councils are positive about the test run later this year. We are in talks with SLC. Sri Lanka is in better shape. [in terms of Covid-19 caseload] than any other country in the subcontinent at the moment, and since the situation is not favorable here, we are more inclined to away matches. ”
BCB High Performance Program Chair Naimur Rahman said the high performance mix players are eagerly awaiting a tour of Sri Lanka.
“We are first trying to figure out how we can start the training camp in Dhaka. We were supposed to start in March or April and then visit Sri Lanka in July,” Rahman said. “But I think once we sort out the home training, we will discuss the tour to Sri Lanka where we can stay a little longer to have more training days.”
Chowdhury also said the board is considering postponing the tour to Ireland and welcoming Australia and New Zealand as soon as the pandemic situation improves in Bangladesh. “We will also be in talks with Cricket Ireland, although the weather in Ireland will be a factor. We will also discuss in due course when Australia and New Zealand can visit Bangladesh,” he said.
He was also quite positive about Dhaka’s Premier League resumption, which was postponed after just one round of matches in March. “Our national cricket is also our priority. We are in discussions with DPL clubs and BPL franchises, but there are many factors to consider, including hotels and logistics, before making a decision,” he said.
