An additional Twenty20 International (T20I) has been added to Bangladesh’s tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), extending it to a three-match series. This decision comes amidst uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s forthcoming tour of Pakistan. The additional game is scheduled for 21 May in Sharjah, which also hosts the first two encounters.
The Emirates Cricket Board consented to a request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to schedule this extra match. The BCB’s decision hinges on the uncertain state of their Pakistan tour, stemming from recent regional tensions. By remaining in the UAE, the Bangladeshi team stays poised to travel to Pakistan if the situation stabilises and the tour proceeds.
The series kicked off on Saturday, with Bangladesh clinching a 27-run victory over the UAE. Initially set as a warm-up to their planned five-match T20I series against Pakistan, the series served as a precursor to matches originally intended for 25 May. Political tensions temporarily halted the Pakistan Super League (PSL), throwing Bangladesh’s plans into disarray.
Following a ceasefire, the PSL final was rescheduled for 25 May. Consequently, Bangladesh’s series against Pakistan was postponed. The Pakistan Cricket Board has proposed new dates, with the first T20I suggested for 27 May, and the final game on 5 June.
The Bangladesh government has authorised the tour, yet the BCB seeks player input before making a final decision. The intentions are to solidify plans by 20 May.
Mohammad Isam, providing these insights, is ESPNcricinfo’s dedicated Bangladesh correspondent.
