Bangladesh Cricket Board is set to ask wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim to reconsider his decision, and be a part of the Tigers’ last leg of the tour of Pakistan, comprising the lone ODI and second and final Test match.
Mushfiq sat out the first two phases of the tour due to security concerns.
With the first two legs of the tour finishing without any uncalled for incidents, it is understood that the BCB is of the opinion that Mushfiq would understand that there is nothing to be worried about.
It has been learnt that Mushfiq will meet the national team think tank for a discussion following the ongoing round of the Bangladesh Cricket League in Cox’s Bazar.
#Mushfiq declines to visit #Pakistan https://t.co/Y84SJmKvSC
— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) January 16, 2020
“President [BCB president Nazmul Hasan] is expected to meet him after he arrives from Cox’s Bazar following the BCL game. He is likely to discuss the matter with him [of travelling to Pakistan],” said a BCB source requesting anonymity Saturday.
Cricket’s governing body in the country wants Mushfiq to make himself available for the second Test against Pakistan in Karachi so as to avoid the shuffle the team will have to go through after the Zimbabwe Test.
The Tigers are gearing to host Zimbabwe in the coming weeks, which will be followed by the tour of Pakistan.
Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe in a lone Test, three ODIs and two T20Is, before visiting Pakistan in the first week of April.
#Mahmudullah backs #Mushfiq decision to skip #PakistanTour https://t.co/yC8OSwgK4B
— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) January 21, 2020
Mushfiq is part of the Zimbabwe series but as things stand, will not be part of the remaining matches of the Pakistan tour.
Following confirmation of Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan in January, it was widely reported that Mushfiq was not convinced of the security situation in Pakistan, and thus decided to make himself unavailable.
The stumper-batsman had to face heavy criticism from supporters of both Bangladesh and Pakistan for his decision.
Following much uncertainty, the BCB came to the decision of sending the national team to Pakistan on January 14 this year.
