DHAKA, July 8, 2019 (BSS) – Ending all speculations, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has finally confirmed the national team’s tour in Sri Lanka later this month.
The series will comprise three ODIs, the first on July 26, instead of the original date of July 25. The following two ODIs will now be played on July 28 and July 31 respectively. Bangladesh is scheduled to leave Colombo on August 1. All three ODIs are day-night fixtures and will take place in Colombo.
The confirmation came after the BCB received a security clearance from government high-ups, said a high official on Monday.
The series was thrown into doubt following the April 21 Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka churches and hotels that killed more than 250 people.
Due to promises of providing highest level of security to Tigers by Sri Lanka, the series has found steam and is set to be rolled out.
”We are happy with the security plan that they provided for the tour,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters on Monday.
“After receiving positive results from our security team we had decided to proceed with the tour Sri Lanka,” he said.
Bangladesh team, who just returns to country after their World Cup mission, will leave the country for Sri Lanka on July 23.
Bangladesh head coach Steve Rhodes said that he is not sure whether they will get Mashrafe with them but indicated they are prepared for the Sri Lanka
“If he (Mashrafe) is on that plane to Sri Lanka, fine. If he’s decided else different, then fine, we move on. That actually is life. If he’s with us, great, let’s take that into consideration and win the games in Sri Lanka. If he’s not with us, let’s move on,” he said.
Upon his arrival to country from England, Mashrafe hinted that he is still undecided about the tour as he chose to remain tightlipped about his retirement issue.
“I haven’t decided yet, I have just arrived,” Mashrafe said after returning to country from Bangladesh’s dismal World Cup outing.
On personal front Mashrafe spent a worst World Cup as he took just one wicket in eight games, which sparked a widespread debate about his place in the team.