SLC in discussion to reconsider protocols for BCB

Following the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan's announcement that it is not possible to tour Sri Lanka under the terms that has been set by the host, including the 14-day quarantine period, media reports claimed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials held a meeting today to shorten the quarantine period.

The Tigers' tour of Sri Lanka was thrown into doubt following the difference in opinions between the two boards but Lanka sports minister Namal Rajapakse instructed SLC to look into the matter and find a solution.  

According to reports, the SLC meeting had also involved discussion of allowing Bangladesh to add few more members to the tour party, having initially suggested that the tourists would be allowed to travel with only a 30-member contingent. SLC are expected to meet Sri Lanka's Covid-19 task force with the new set of proposal tomorrow and will send the recommendation to BCB afterwards.

With the future over the tour still alive, the practice sessions of Bangladesh cricketers remained on course. Meanwhile, SLC chairman Shammi Silva dismissed some of the claims made by the BCB, saying that there was never a reference of a week-long quarantine period made by the SLC while communicating with the BCB.

"If they have mentioned this then it is incorrect. I really do not know as to why they refer to a week. In any case we have not held talks with the BCB regarding a seven-day quarantine period. However, we are unable to go beyond the period that has been stipulated by the health authorities. It is guaranteed that the Bangladesh team has to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine period," Silva told the Lankan local media. 

However according Sri Lankan media, SLC were hopeful that they will be able to convince their government to make some adjustments and reach to an agreement with BCB. 

Bangladesh were expected to travel to Sri Lanka on September 27 to take part in the three-Test series that is scheduled to start from October 24.