Tigers leaving for SL on April 12

Sri Lanka Cricket backtracked on their decision to impose strict quarantine protocols which had forced the Bangladesh Cricket Board to cancel a planned tour to the island nation in September last year and the series is now slated to be held in April, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury informed yesterday.

Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka on April 12 to take part in a two-match Test series which will be part of the ICC Test Championship.

The BCB had refused to move ahead with last year's tour after Sri Lankan health authorities had insisted on a 14-day quarantine for Bangladesh, with players' movement strictly limited to their hotel rooms.

Quarantine protocols were later relaxed for a touring England side in January this year as the visitors were asked to isolate after landing in Sri Lanka for three days before being allowed to practice.

"Both Tests will be played at the same venue and the team will stay in Colombo. If everything remains on track, the Bangladesh team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka on April 12. Initially, we have to quarantine for six-seven days, during which time the team will follow health safety protocols accordingly," Chowdhury told media yesterday.

After playing the two Tests, Bangladesh will host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series which will be part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.