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PCB finalises schedule for Bangladesh series


Published : 05 Jul 2024 09:37 PM

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised the itinerary on Friday for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled for next month. The matches will unfold in the cities of Rawalpindi and Karachi. This announcement is part of the PCB's broader international agenda for the 2024-25 season, which includes three Test series.

The inaugural Test of the Bangladesh-Pakistan series is set to commence on the 21st of August in Rawalpindi, with the second Test slated to begin on the 30th of August in Karachi. Bangladesh's last tour of Pakistan for a Test match was in 2020, which was truncated to a single Test due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking of the series, which forms a part of the World Test Championship, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed eagerness for the team's participation, noting the challenges and excitement of playing in Pakistan. He emphasised the need to perform at their peak to contend with a formidable opponent on their home ground. Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, the Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), conveyed gratitude to the PCB for confirming the match schedule under the ICC World Test Championship. 

He acknowledged the series as a crucial test for the team, while also viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate progress in the format.

Despite having played 13 Test matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh is yet to taste victory, with their sole draw occurring in Khulna in 2015. The teams have not faced each other in this format since 2021.

Pakistan's 2024-25 season will also feature Test series against England (three matches) and the West Indies (two matches). Additionally, the PCB has declared plans for a tri-nation ODI series with New Zealand and South Africa next year, in anticipation of the Champions Trophy—a series that has not been hosted on Pakistani soil since 2004.

The PCB has further disclosed provisional dates for the 2025 Champions Trophy, earmarking February 19 for the opening match and March 9 for the final. However, the definitive schedule will be announced by the ICC. There remains significant speculation regarding India's participation in the tournament.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remarked on the significance of the Champions Trophy and the tours by cricket-playing nations leading up to it, highlighting Pakistan's esteemed position in international cricket. He expressed appreciation for the involvement of all teams and players in these events.