PCB offers to fly out Bangladesh Test squad amid political unrest

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended an offer to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to fly out the Bangladesh Test team to Rawalpindi as soon as possible. This initiative aims to ensure the two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, set to start on August 21 in Rawalpindi, proceeds as planned.

Civil unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent flight from the country, has raised concerns about the Bangladesh team's ability to travel for the series.

A PCB source, as reported by the Press Trust of India, mentioned that the PCB has also offered to host the Bangladeshi players for extra days and provide all necessary training facilities in Rawalpindi ahead of the Test matches. However, the BCB has yet to respond.

Adding to the uncertainty, the BCB postponed the departure of their A team to Pakistan by 48 hours on Monday, casting further doubt on the series between the senior men's teams. Reports of attacks on the homes of some senior players have exacerbated the crisis.

The A team is now scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on August 8, with the Test squad expected on August 17. The first four-day game for the A team is slated to begin on August 11.

The PCB source emphasized that the board is striving to maintain communication with the BCB, but the current situation makes it challenging.

"With the BCB president (Najmul Hosain Papon) also leaving the country, the board is not functioning normally," he added.