Won't force players to tour Pakistan, says BCB president Nazmul Hassan

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan on Monday said that board will t force players to travel to Pakistan for upcoming tour even if y receive security clearance. Recently, Pakistan had opened its gates to international cricket with Sri Lanka's tour to country after 10 years owing to security concerns. Till n, Pakistan's home matches were being hosted at Sharjah. Currently awaiting security clearance, BCB President Hassan stated that consent of players and team manment would be given utmost priority. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has, however, sent an itinerary for Bangladesh's tour of country comprising of two Tests and three T20s in January and February.

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'We cant force our players to go to Pakistan'

Speaking to reporters, Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan said, "We cant force our players to go to Pakistan. If a player does t want to go, we will t pressurise anyone to go to Pakistan. I do t think that we should talk about replacement team w. It will all depend on situation." He furr added, "We have applied to government to kw wher we will get security clearance for Pakistan series. Once we get clearance, it will be opinion of cricketers. We will respect everyone's opinions and hear every player. re are a lot of matters including board. After getting clearance we will sit to discuss se things. We hope that we can make a final decision within next four to five days."

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South Africa likely to tour Pakistan

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is confident that Cricket South Africa will send its team for a short tour of country in March next year. tour is expected to comprise three T20 Internationals. Responding to media reports that South Africa had turned down Pakistan's request for tour, PCB CEO Wasim Khan said discussions with CSA were still ongoing. "In fact, y have responded very positively to our invitation and we are pretty confident y will come over for T20 series," Khan said. Pakistan has also invited Ireland and Afghanistan to send ir teams to Pakistan next year to play white ball and red ball series but are still awaiting confirmation. Khan said PCB had held positive talks with CSA officials. 

(With inputs from ncies)

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