BCB Pessimistic About Bangladesh's Tour Of Sri Lanka Going Ahead

With the COVID-19 crisis hovering and situation worsening, very few nations have expressed confidence in resuming cricket within their country. While the West Indies Cricket Board have named a 14-man squad to tour England, few of their key players have opted out due to the risk of contracting the disease. And joining the postponed series and tournaments so far could be Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka.

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In July, the Bangladesh cricket team were scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for thee-Test series. The three Tests would also form a part of the ongoing ICC Test Championship that started in August last year. While the virus risk remains exceptionally minimal in the Island nation, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chairman feels that it is unlikely for it to go ahead. In April, the BCB did not rule out touring Sri Lanka either.

Akram Khan said that they have spoken to some players and the lack of interest was very palpable. Due to that reason, he feels that the chances of the series taking place are minimum. Khan told that Sri Lanka cricket are pushing for a window in September.

“Yes we had spoken with some of the players and they did not show any interest. I think chances are very slim about the Sri Lanka tour commencing on scheduled time frame.” Khan said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

We cannot go to Sri Lanka without proper preparation because it is a three-match Test series: Akram Khan

Akram Khan went on to say that Bangladesh haven’t even begun to train unaware of when the situation will ease out. He further remarked that since it is a three-Test series, players cannot go unprepared over there and hence they would need a training camp to be conducted for the players to get them ready. All such reasons have hindered committing to the Sri Lankan Board.

“Where Sri Lanka is thinking of playing cricket we are yet to resume training at our own backyard and more importantly we cannot say when the condition will improve,” Akram said.

“We are trying to find out who wants to train individually so that we can prepare the ground for them but I am not too sure whether everyone wants to do it or it is just a wish of few cricketers.

“We cannot go there without proper preparation because it is a three match Test series. They players are out of cricket for long time so after returning to cricket they will at least need 40 days training comprised with one month skill training following a 10 days fitness camp. So we cannot commit anything right away regarding the Sri Lanka tour.” he stated further.

Also Read: BCB To Take A Call On The Sri Lankan Tour Within This Week