Pakistan’s ODI tour of Bangladesh is under threat. The Men in Green are slated to play a 3-match series at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from March 11 to 15. However, due to the rising tension in West Asia, the conflict between Israel, Iran, and the United States of America, the tour could be either postponed or cancelled.
The conflict has resulted in airspace closure in the Middle East. Major airlines in the region, Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad, are not functioning at the moment. Cricket has been affected due to the conflict as well. The England Lions’ team and support staff are stuck in the UAE; Jonny Bairstow is stuck in Dubai with his family; Mushfiqur Rahim was stuck in Saudi Arabia but has returned home now; and Zimbabwe is stuck in India.
Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in limbo
According to Pakistani media outlet Geo Super, due to the tensions, the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI series is uncertain. It’s only expected to proceed if there aren’t any travel risks or security concerns.
For the unaware, Pakistan airlines can’t enter Indian airspace. That’s why they often use Emirates, Qatar, or Etihad to fly over India. But since they aren’t operating, Pakistan is in a pickle. Bangladeshi airlines can be used, but whether they will be another question.
In the meantime, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin isn’t sure whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will send the team over to Bangladesh. Nazmul has stated that PCB hasn’t cancelled or postponed the tour as of yet.
“If this comes to a stage where they can’t travel, then we cannot do anything. But so far, we haven’t received any correspondence from the PCB in that regard,” Nazmul told reporters on Monday.
