Challenge for BCB to continue with Sri Lanka tour as planned: CEO

Board yet to receive positive response until now

FE Team | Published: September 23, 2020 22:32:53

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to receive a positive response from Sri Lanka to continue with the island nation's tour for a three-match Test series scheduled for October-November this year, reports UNB.
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said it's a challenge for the board to continue with the tour as it was planned.
It has become difficult for the BCB to take final steps for the tour with no confirmation from Sri Lanka yet.
"We're preparing everything keeping in mind that we'll fly for Sri Lanka on September 27. But since we're yet to get confirmation from Sri Lanka about what we've asked them to fulfill. It'll be challenging (to continue with the tour plan)," Nizamuddin told the media on Wednesday at BCB in the city.
He said the BCB chief has already made it clear that if Sri Lanka is unable to provide what Bangladesh have asked for, then it will be tough to go ahead with the tour.
"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sent us a health guideline with some restrictions. If they don't relax them, it'll be tough (to tour)," Nizamuddin said.
He said they are in regular contact with SLC. "They're working with their health department to relax the restriction for us. We hope that they'll come up with an update soon," he added.
BCB boss Nazmul Hassan on September 14 told the media that they are waiting for Sri Lanka's response.
"Both boards are committed to continuing with the series as it's a part of the ongoing World Test Championship. If any further adjustment is required we'll do that. But before that, we've to get their feedback which is still due," Nizamuddin said replying to a question on what the BCB will do if Sri Lanka says no to this series.
"We think the situation is out of SLC's control. It's now up to the task force working to control the Covid-19 situation in the country. But we believe SLC is working hard from their part to convince their health department to allow Bangladesh a shorter quarantine period," he further added.
This series was originally scheduled for July-August. But due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the series is now rescheduled for October-November.
Bangladesh has played three Tests which are parts of the World Test Championship and lost all of them. Two of the Tests were against India and the other one was against Pakistan. Bangladesh are yet to play another Test against Pakistan which has also been postponed due to Covid-19.