Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh Not Happy With Travel During Asia Cup

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed its disappointment with the travel during the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. The director of the governing body mentioned that it will have an impact on the performances as it is mentally stressful.

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently revealed the schedule for the Asia Cup 2023. The tournament will be played in a hybrid model from 3oth August to 17th September in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Out of 13 games, 4 games will be played in Pakistan whereas the island nation will host the remaining 9 games.

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Bangladesh will play the tournament opener against Sri Lanka on 31st August and after that, they will be traveling to Pakistan to play against Afghanistan on 3rd September. Things will get tougher for them if they qualify for the Super 4s as they will be them subjected to hectic travel.

If they qualify, Bangladesh will play their first Super Four game in Pakistan and then will have to move back to Sri Lanka to play the remaining two super four matches. The final of the tournament is also slated to take place in Sri Lanka and if they qualify they have to move there as well.

BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus talked about the hectic schedule and revealed that Asian Cricket Council have arranged planes for them as it’s their responsibility to make good arrangements. Speaking to reporters, he said (as quoted by Cricbuzz):

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“Yes, we have to go to Lahore to play the first match. There are two matches in the first round, one in Sri Lanka and the other one is in Pakistan. We have to go as we can do nothing actually. After the 31st [August] the next match is on 3rd [September].

“To make the journey comfortable the Asia Cup authorities [ACC] has decided to travel the teams in chartered flights. We will travel by chartered planes. This is the responsibility of the Asian Cricket Council. Of course, we would like to travel by quality airline, if that is a national airline or a chartered plane definitely that would be good for everyone.”

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Jalal Yunus further went on to say that consistent travel from Sri Lanka to Pakistan will impact the player as it’s mentally stressful but they are ready for the challenge. He explained further:

“If you travel certainly there will be an impact which I feel because when you are travelling by air you will have to go two hours earlier and carry your luggage and preparing all these things is mentally stressful. Pakistan is far away from Sri Lanka. So there is nothing to do, since it is ACC’s decision, everyone is playing like this. We also have to accept it.”

BCB is likely to announce a 28 to 30-member preliminary squad. The members of the squad will be part of the preparation camp from July 31 for the forthcoming Asia Cup.

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