PCB to defer Tigers’ tour?

The fate of the third phase of Bangladesh's tour to Pakistan has been cloudy recently due to the coronavirus outbreak and, according to sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the hosts are set to postpone the rest of Bangladesh's tour. 

It was also learned that due to the alarming situation, the PCB would make their decision regarding the tour soon. If postponed, the remaining matches -- one ODI and Bangladesh's second World Test Championship fixture – would be played later when the two boards find a common window.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan mentioned that chances of the matches being held according to schedule were very slim.

"As far as I have seen, there are still a lot of uncertainties [regarding the tour]. We are still waiting. We will get a confirmed decision in one or two days. But still nothing can be said. It is still in process. I think we can clearly say what is happening in two or three days. But the way there are travel restrictions all around the globe, I think the chances are very slim," Nazmul said yesterday.

Bangladesh were scheduled to leave the country on March 29 for Karachi, where they are scheduled to play the lone ODI on April 1 before playing their second World Test Championship fixture from April 5. There were talks of shifting the fixtures to a different venue but Nazmul said that was 'no chance'.

"No. There is no chance [the venue will be shifted]. But we might have to arrange the tour at a later period."

Earlier yesterday, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury informed the media that they had been waiting for the PCB's response on the matter.

"Pakistan is the home country. They will take the decision. Even nine to ten players, who were playing their domestic league [Pakistan Super League] already left the country. We are waiting to get Pakistan's response. We are the visiting team and we can are monitoring it closely. We are hoping the PCB will communicate their decision to us soon," Nizamuddin said.