Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the country's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, seeking security assurances for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from October 3-20. The tournament is set to take place in two Bangladeshi cities, Sylhet and Mirpur.The BCB's request comes amidst political unrest in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely monitoring the situation, as violent protests against the government have resulted in numerous deaths and the resignation of Hasina.The ICC has the option of relocating the tournament to a different venue within a similar time zone, with India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka being potential alternatives. However, the BCB remains hopeful that the event can be held in Bangladesh.BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon and several other board directors, believed to have the backing of Hasina's Awami League party, have fled the country. However, other directors remain in Dhaka and are determined to keep the tournament in Bangladesh."We are trying to host the tournament," said Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu, chairman of the BCB umpiring committee. "We have sent a letter to the Army Chief regarding assurance about the security of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as we have only two months in hand."The ICC has communicated with the BCB, and the board has responded that it will provide an update shortly. "After the (interim) government is formed, we still have to give them assurance of the security considering it cannot be given by the board or anyone else apart from a law enforcement agency of the country," added Mithu.The warm-up round for the Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 27. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and make a decision on the tournament's venue based on the security assurances provided by the country's authorities.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the political unrest in Bangladesh, which has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, and the ICC is adopting a wait-and-watch approach before making any decisions about the tournament's location.The unrest in Bangladesh stems from a controversial quota system that reserves 30% of jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. The system has sparked fierce demonstrations across the country, resulting in over 100 casualties in the past two days.The ICC has an independent security monitoring system across all its member nations. The situation in Bangladesh is being monitored closely, but with seven weeks left for the tournament to begin, it is too early to comment on whether it will be shifted from Bangladesh.The ICC does have contingency plans for unavoidable circumstances. In case of a need to relocate, Sri Lanka could be an option, given that it successfully hosted the men's T20 World Cup in 2012.A critical question remains whether countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia will send their women's teams to Bangladesh amidst the current volatile security environment. For now, the ICC continues to monitor the situation as the start date of the Women's T20 World Cup approaches.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the government to provide a security consultant for their upcoming tour of Pakistan, scheduled for July and August. This request comes amidst concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the safety of the Indian team during the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.The BCB's cricket operation chairman, Jalal Yunus, expressed concerns about security but stated that the board had received assurances from Pakistan and had decided to proceed with the tour. He emphasized the importance of a security consultant to maintain constant communication with the government on security matters.Bangladesh is set to play two Tests in Pakistan, with the first match in Rawalpindi from July 21 and the second in Karachi from August 30. Yunus noted that none of the Bangladesh players had expressed reservations about the tour and that recent teams visiting Pakistan had been satisfied with the security arrangements."We agreed to go on this tour because they ensured us of that," Yunus said, referring to the security provided during the Asia Cup in Pakistan. "You might have seen in recent times that some international teams have also visited (Pakistan) and they are quite happy with the security they provided."The BCCI, on the other hand, is still awaiting permission from the Government of India for the Indian team's participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The BCCI has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its players and staff in Pakistan, citing past incidents of violence and terrorism.The security situation in Pakistan has improved in recent years, but concerns remain, particularly in the wake of the 2022 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The BCB's request for a security consultant reflects the ongoing need for vigilance and the importance of ensuring the safety of players and officials during international cricket matches.

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked a debate over whether the Indian cricket team will participate. India has not played cricket in Pakistan for over a decade due to security concerns.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about India's potential visit to Pakistan, citing the volatile security situation. However, ex-Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has challenged the Indian team to visit Pakistan, referring to Pakistan's own visit to India for the ODI World Cup last year.In a viral video clip, Tanvir Ahmed commended the Pakistan team for being "brave and fearless" for traveling to India to play cricket. He extended an invitation to the Indian team to come to Pakistan, reassuring them of their safety."We are lions, we came and played cricket in your country. Come here and show... We are inviting you to come and play. We will provide security, we will give you everything. Just come once," said Tanvir Ahmed.Pakistan has assured that all matches involving the Indian team in the tournament will be held in Lahore, and the Indian team will stay at the same hotel throughout their visit. This arrangement is intended to enhance security measures.Last year, the Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, leading to India matches being staged in Sri Lanka instead. Since 2012, the two nations have not played any bilateral series, with the Indian government limiting cricket encounters between Pakistan and India to ICC or ACC events.The decision of whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain. The security situation and political tensions between the two countries will likely play a significant role in the decision-making process.

India's Pakistan Trip for Champions Trophy in Doubt Amid Security ConcernsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about the Indian cricket team's potential trip to Pakistan for next year's ICC Champions Trophy, citing ongoing security issues in the country. Singh supports the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to seek government approval before finalizing their participation.The BCCI has yet to make a statement on the matter, emphasizing that the government's decision will determine whether the team travels to Pakistan. "Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don't think it's safe (for the team) to go there," Singh told IANS.Pakistan has assured that all of India's matches in the tournament will be held in Lahore, and that the Indian team will stay at the same hotel throughout. They have also stated that keeping the team in one city would allow for more effective and secure arrangements.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced its acquisition of land next to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore for the construction of a 5-star hotel. According to sources, the PCB plans to build the hotel and aims to have it ready by early next year. The new hotel is expected to eliminate the need for teams to stay at distant locations, thereby reducing the need for road closures related to security.The Indian cricket team declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, resulting in the matches being held in Sri Lanka instead. Since 2012, Pakistan and India have not played any bilateral series, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters between the two nations to ICC or ACC events.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan in 2025, faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declines to travel to the country for the tournament. Pakistan had designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches, hoping to alleviate security concerns. However, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Dubai or Sri Lanka as alternative venues.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be compelled to accept India's demands, as the Indian team could withdraw from the tournament if all matches are held in Pakistan. The Indian government's approval for travel to Pakistan is highly unlikely. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka, ranked ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will replace them.Last year, Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 was thwarted by the Indian government's refusal to allow the team to travel. The matches were subsequently shifted to Sri Lanka. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams only face each other at ICC or ACC events.In their most recent encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious by six runs in the group stage, eventually claiming their second title. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket tournament independently. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be held entirely in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The PCB has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where India's matches would be played at neutral venues, as was done for the Asia Cup 2023.The PCB's proposal includes hosting matches in three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Karachi will host the tournament opener and a semifinal, while Lahore will host the final and at least seven other matches. Rawalpindi will host at least five matches, including a semifinal.The PCB has expressed confidence in its preparations for the tournament, with ICC officials reportedly satisfied with the arrangements during a recent visit. However, the PCB's stance against a hybrid model is likely to face resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI had previously suggested a hybrid model, with India's matches being played outside of Pakistan due to security concerns. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.The PCB has proposed a compromise, suggesting that India's matches could be played exclusively in Lahore, which is close to the Wagah Border crossing. This would minimize logistical and security challenges for the Indian team.The decision on whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan will ultimately be made by the Indian government. The government has been opposed to the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan's alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India's borders.If India does not participate, it would be a major blow to the tournament and to Pakistan's hopes of hosting a successful international cricket event. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy would be the first time Pakistan has been the sole host of a major international cricket event.

The Indian cricket team's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain pending approval from the Indian government. The decision hinges on the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two nations.Since 2008, tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their encounters.Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team's participation in the Champions Trophy is contingent upon government approval. "We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission," he said.Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup last year saw a hybrid strategy, with India's matches played in Sri Lanka due to logistical and security challenges. However, Pakistan did not consider a similar approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India in 2023, instead participating in the tournament across various venues.Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions, has designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches in the upcoming tournament. This decision aims to minimize logistical and security concerns related to their travel.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with discussions among participating members expected to focus on India's participation.The decision on India's participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities, given the history of strained relations and security concerns between the two countries.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in three cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The tournament is scheduled to take place in mid-February next year.According to ESPNcricinfo, the draft schedule has India based in and playing all their matches in Lahore, where the final is also scheduled to take place. This move is believed to have been proposed to avoid logistical and security challenges associated with India's travel. Additionally, Lahore's proximity to the Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan makes it easier for Indian fans to attend the matches.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sent a draft schedule of the tournament to the ICC for discussion. The major sticking point is likely to be whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. No Indian team has played in Pakistan since the 2008 Champions Trophy due to strained relations between the two governments.Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a hybrid model, with India playing all their games in Sri Lanka. However, this model was not pursued for the ODI World Cup in India last year, with Pakistan playing all their games in India.The final decision on whether India will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy rests with the Indian government, not the BCCI. Naqvi expressed hope that all eight teams will participate in the event in Pakistan, but did not comment specifically on India's position.The Champions Trophy is the first ICC event Pakistan will host since the 1996 World Cup. Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the 2008 Champions Trophy, but it was postponed and relocated to South Africa due to security concerns. Pakistan also lost out on co-hosting duties for the 2011 ODI World Cup after the 2009 terror attacks on the Sri Lanka team.Since the return of international cricket to Pakistan in 2015, every team involved in the Champions Trophy has toured and played in Pakistan, except India. Pakistan are the defending champions of the event, last held in 2017.