Bangladesh should tour Pakistan, it is a safe country: Ahmed Shehzad

Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to tour Pakistan, for two Test matches and three T20s in January this year. Even after Sr Lanka, has toured Pakistan, in which they played all three formats of the game, the Bangladesh Cricket Boards is still unsure about touring Pakistan.

Due to security concerns, the BCB has still not given the green signal to the Pakistan tour. Several current and former players of Pakistan have requested Bangladesh to come to Pakistan as in recent times many international players have also played cricket in Pakistan during the PSL. Bangladesh although is determined to play Pakistan at a neutral venue for the Test matches.

However, PCB has taken a firm stand and wants to play Bangladesh only at home. After the conclusion of the Sri Lankan tour, Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali told reporters, “Bangladesh should come to Pakistan to play”. Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq also said, “Bangladesh not coming because of security reasons, is an excuse”.

Now, Pakistani opener Ahmed Shehzad, who is currently in Bangladesh playing the Bangladesh Premier League, wants Bangladesh to play the series in Pakistan. Shehzad told the reporters as quoted by BD Crictime, “Pakistan is a safe country for me. It has always been a safe country for me, in the past and the present time. Our government forces are doing whatever is necessary to organize international cricket.”

Taste our food, says Ahmed Shehzad

Shehzad also mentioned that as far as security is concerned, the Bangladesh team will be provided the highest security in Pakistan the same which is usually given to the president. He stated, “Players are given security equivalent to the president of Pakistan. Everyone know about the hospitality of Pakistan. The recent Sri Lankan tour was a huge success.”

The final say on the tour will be taken by the government of Bangladesh and their cricket board. When asked what he would have done if he was a Bangladeshi, Shehzad said that if he was in Bangladesh’s shoes he would definitely have toured Pakistan.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board will decide what they will do. But if you ask me, I would like to go to Pakistan to taste the food of Pakistan, see their hospitality and play in front of the people of Pakistan,” he concluded.

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