BCB in discussion over Sri Lanka tour

Bangladesh Cricket Board and its Sri Lankan counterparts are once again in discussion to arrange Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka which so far has been postponed twice. 

BCB and Sri Lanka Cricket are mulling arranging the series in April, 2021.

As per the initial schedule, Bangladesh were first slated to tour Sri Lanka in July-August this year for a three-match Test series against the island nation. 

The Tests are part of the International Cricket Council Test Championship, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

The series was then rescheduled to October but got shelved again after BCB disagreed to the quarantine protocol that was set by Sri Lanka Covid-19 management task force.

“We are in discussion with SLC and the proposal has basically come from their side. As we were in talks for the Sri Lanka tour in the first stage which didn’t happen that time, we agreed principally to play the Test series under the ICC Test Championship in Sri Lanka,” said BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury to the media Monday.

“We are working out to find the window according to the Future Tour Program and at this stage, we are looking to have this tour in April next year as both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have got an available slot during that time,” he added.

BCB is currently busy preparing to host the West Indies in January. 

The tour schedule was confirmed earlier this month after Cricket West Indies was pleased with BCB’s Covid-19 management and the bio-secure bubble that reached a certain standard through the experience of hosting two domestic competitions recently.

“The board has been working for a smooth health safety plan in order for international cricket to return,” said Nizamuddin.

Bangladesh are scheduled to host the West Indies for a two-Test and three-ODI series. 

Bangladesh last played international cricket in February-Match this year before the country suspended all sporting activities and went into lockdown due to outbreak of the novel coronavirus.