Bangladesh decides to send Emerging team to Pakistan after safety assurances

Bangladesh, along with India, were not in favour of Pakistan hosting Asia Emerging Nations Cup Cup next month but since the latter has got the hosting rights, they will have to. However, Bangladesh decided to send its squad to Pakistan, first time in three years, only after officials from the host country assured them of safety. Pakistan has been sidelined as host in international cricket ever since the national team of Sri Lanka came under a horrendous terror attack on its soil in 2009.

Zimbabwe sent its team to tour Pakistan a few years back while the Windies visited the country earlier this year. Matches of the Pakistan Super League are also being held now in Pakistan which gives an indication that things are gradually normalising although some big Test-playing nations are yet to send their teams there.

Bangladesh in same group with Pakistan

Pakistan, along with Sri Lanka, the defending champions, is co-hosting the Asian Cricket Council tournament with Karachi and Colombo being the two venues. Bangladesh will be playing their group games in Karachi since they are clubbed with Pakistan, Hong Kong and the UAE in Group B. The other group comprises Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan and Oman and matches of that group will be played in island-nation. The two semi-finals and final will also be played in Colombo, which made India heave a sigh of relief.

“We agreed to the tour following assurance of adequate security by the Pakistan Cricket Board,” said Bangladesh Cricket Board boss Nizamuddin Chowdhury, Pakistan’s The News International reported. He also said that the board would also send a security deal with the squad, led by Nurul Hasan.

Two venues in Karachi will host the six matches that will be played in Pakistan, namely, the South-End Ground Club besides the more famous National Stadium. The teams will reach Karachi on December 4 and practise at the National Stadium the next day. The home team will play the opening game of the tournament against Hong Kong at the National Stadium on December 6. Bangladesh will also begin their campaign at South-End Ground the same day against the UAE.

The final of the tournament will be played on December 15.

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