Security clearance key to Tigers tour of Pakistan
SPORTS REPORTER, Dhaka
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director and its Cricket Operations Committee Chairman Akram Khan said they are moving forward to discuss with their Pakistan counterparts for the final decision of the upcoming Bangladesh teams tour in Pakistan in January next year keeping two options in hand.
But Akram said everything hinges on getting or not getting the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the government.
We can start a discussion with them (Pakistan) if we get the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the government, said Akram Khan.
But we did not get the green signal from the government yet. Everything will bank on the governments NOC, Akram told media at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
It is meanwhile learnt that the bulk of the players and coaching staff are not agreed to stay at Pakistan for so long if they tour with the team in Pakistan in the ensuing tour. So he said they will sit with the players and coaching staff to take their opinion for the tour after getting the governments nod.
In that case, Khan said they may propose to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for splitting the tour after they get the non-objection certificate (NOC) from the government.
Again, if they dont get the governments NOC for touring in Pakistan, they may then overture to PCB to play at a neutral venue.
Many of the Sri Lankan players didnt tour Pakistan. Its their own issue. But we must go with our full strength. We will also sit with our players talk about the Pakistan tour, he said.
If we get NOC from the govt, we will plan accordingly. Actually weve been waiting what the govt is going to suggest us. Since then we cannot hold a discussion about it, he also said.
If we dont get the NOC, we have to discuss playing on the neutral venues, he added.
However, Jajal Younus said they may send another delegation to assess the security arrangement in Pakistan.
A two-month gap has been held after womens team and Under-16 team made their tour in Pakistan. The security may change at any time. Two months is a big gap. So if we think, we can send another delegation to monitor the situation if needed, said Jalal Younus.
A government delegation visited Pakistan for security assessment but they are yet to report to BCB for the tour. But the BCB director said that they will not follow what others did they will do what their government suggests them.
Who are going there is not the matter for us. If we get the approval from the government, well start working on the tour, he said, signing off.
