The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that Bangladesh will tour Pakistan later this month for a three-match T20 International (T20I) series.  In a statement issued by the PCB, it was announced that the decision followed successful talks held in Dubai between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Farooq Ahmed. 

“All three matches will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” the PCB confirmed, adding that the tour will take place over a brief window as part of the international calendar.  The series, initially proposed to include five T20Is, has been reduced to three matches following mutual consultation between the two boards. The originally announced schedule from May 25 to June 3 was revised, with PCB suggesting a new window from May 27 to June 5. 

The finalised dates for the three T20Is are expected to be announced in the coming days.  The announcement ends weeks of speculation around the tour, which had come under question due to security and logistical concerns. However, after extended dialogue between the respective cricket authorities, both sides have agreed to proceed with the shortened series. 

This will be Bangladesh’s first visit to Pakistan for a bilateral series since their split tour in 2020, when they played T20Is in Lahore and later returned for a solitary Test match in Rawalpindi. A second Test and one ODI from that tour were postponed indefinitely due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While the Bangladesh government’s final clearance for the tour was awaited in earlier stages, the successful conclusion of talks in Dubai signals official approval. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)