Afghanistan-Pak conflict triggers suspense over Bangladeshi players’ PSL attendance:BCB cites security concerns, seeks approval from govt.

The participation of Bangladeshi players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will now depend on government approval. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken this decision in view of regional tensions. Earlier, the board had given NOCs to 6 players. These include Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Rishad Hossain (Peshawar Zalmi). The PSL is scheduled to be played from March 26 to May 3, but now, government permission will be sought before players travel to Pakistan. Tension on Afghanistan-Pakistan border primary cause of security concern Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Chairman of Cricket Operations for the Bangladesh Cricket Board, said that the current situation is not normal. Due to increasing tension on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, there is a risk to the players’ safety. He stated, ‘Normally, we don’t need to ask the government. We issue NOCs, players go, play, and return. But the situation is different now, so we will discuss it with the government.’ Government will decide whether it is safe to go to Pakistan or not Najmul Abedin further said that the board can’t understand the ground reality there. This is the government’s job. He said, ‘The government will have better information about the security situation there. If the government gives us the green light and says that it is safe to travel, only then will the players go there. In principle, we have decided to issue the NOC, but everything will depend on the situation at that time.’ Players to miss camp for New Zealand series If the government’s approval is received, 6 players participating in the PSL will not be able to take part in the preparatory camp for the home series against New Zealand. The New Zealand team is arriving in Bangladesh on April 13, where they are scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20 matches. The ODI series will begin on April 17, while the T20 series will be played between April 27 and May 2. Partial NOC issued considering World Cup qualification BCB has issued a partial NOC to the players so that they are available for the ODI series against New Zealand. Bangladesh is currently ranked ninth in the ICC ODI rankings and is trying to directly qualify for next year’s ODI World Cup. After defeating Pakistan 2-1, Bangladesh is now looking to improve its ranking by registering a win against New Zealand.