BCB likely to cancel their Pakistan tour after the Coronavirus outbreak

The spread of Corona Virus has impacted World cricket in a way that no one had ever imagined. The Road Safety World series has now been cancelled and is likely to be rescheduled until further notice. India-South Africa ODI series won’t see any spectators during the matches while the Chappell Hadlee Trophy in Australia has also followed the suit. The first ODI between Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw empty stands.

At this moment, all the cricket boards are taking responsibility to ensure that proper precautionary steps are taken. It wasn’t going to be too long before the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) followed the protocol. On Friday, the board announced that they were planning to cancel their tour of Pakistan scheduled in April. The decision will still be discussed as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t said anything yet. But, the concern is at the right place as there have been several cases of Coronavirus patients in the country.

BCB stresses over the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan

Bangladesh had toured Pakistan twice in recent times. The move was taken when the boards decided to break the tour into three different parts. This was it was in the best interest of the BCB. Amidst the political unrest in Pakistan, not a lot of international teams have toured them. Barring Sri Lanka, West Indies, Zimbabwe and now Bangladesh, Pakistan hasn’t hosted any other cricket playing nation.

The first leg of Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan happened in January when the two teams played three T20Is. The Tigers then went to their Asian counterparts once again in February for one solo Test. This was the first of two Tests which were going to be the part of the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21.

The second Test of that series was scheduled at the National Stadium in Karachi from April 5 till April 9. Not just this, but the teams were scheduled to play a one-off ODI match at the same venue on April 1. Now, BCB showing reluctance to send their team on the tour has hinted a possible change of schedule. The CEO of the BCB cleared the air about the issue.

“I can not tell you anything with certainty in this regard.we are keeping our eyes on IPL but it will not depend on IPL situation.we have to think from a global aspect. A lot of country flight is cancelled. We have closely observed the situation and will make a decision after that,’’ Nizamuddin, the CEO of BCB said during an interview with a local newspaper.

The words cleared suggest that the Board is willing to reschedule. For now, BCB will be in discussion until a decision is taken.