The visiting Bangladesh women’s cricket team will take on hosts Pakistan today in the first of two Twenty20 internationals at Southend Club Cricket Stadium in Karachi.
Salma Khatun and her troop, who reached the conflict-racked country last Monday, will also face their Pakistani counterparts in two one-day internationals during their 10-day tour.
All the matches between the Bangladesh and Pakistan women will take place in the southern city of Karachi and the visitors have been assured of VVIP security by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Before departing for Pakistan, Salma informed the media that they are looking forward to playing some good cricket against a strong Pakistani side. Salma also stated that they will be under no pressure whatsoever with regards to the security issues and will only concentrate on their cricket.
“We are here to play cricket and are comfortable,” said the Bangladesh skipper yesterday.
“It is just like our home and we are fully prepared to play against Pakistan, which is a very strong team.”
Earlier this month, a four-member delegation, including the head of security of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Major Hossain Imam, visited Pakistan to assess the security situation in the country. Only after receiving the delegation’s green signal did the BCB decide to go ahead with the Bangladesh women’s tour.