BCB won't rule out Sri Lanka tour just yet

[Nergal]

 

 

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three Tests in Colombo, Galle and Kandy, all part of the ICC Test Championship © Getty

The Bangladesh Cricket Board revealed that it is yet to completely rule out touring Sri Lanka in July, stating that discussions between the two boards were ongoing about potentially playing the series. The board, however, insisted that government instruction will be taken into account before making a final commitment with regards to the series.

BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed to Cricbuzz that both boards were having regular meetings regarding the future of the three-Test series. "Even yesterday I had a meeting with SLC chief executive and we are discussing about the tour but we are yet to decide anything at the moment," said Nizamuddin.

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Bangladesh postponed their tour of Pakistan in March for an ODI and a Test in Karachi in March. As the condition around the world worsened, they postponed their white-ball tour of Ireland in May. Bangladesh two-Tests series against Australia was also been postponed with severe doubt over the other big home Test series, against New Zealand in August.

Nizamuddin alluded to the fact that Sri Lanka had relatively dealt with the pandemic better than other countries in South Asia. As of Thursday, Sri Lanka have recorded 649 positive cases of COVID-19, 136 of which have recovered. Sri Lanka have also offered to host the season of IPL sometime this year.

Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka in the third week of July and are pencilled in to play Tests in Colombo, Galle and Kandy- all part of ICC Test Championship.

"One thing you have to keep in mind that the government's instructions on travel, these things are also important. If only that country is alright then that will not be enough, the guidance of our government is also important," Nizamuddin reiterated. "We are observing the situation and how their government is tackling the situation and all that along with keeping an eye on what is the order of our government because we have to see all these things.

The corona infection is high currently in our country and we might get a clear picture after some days. Probably it will take another eight to 10 days to get a clearer picture of the entire situation and then we can take to any decision," Nizamuddin said.