Sports Desk:

Amid increasing concerns of corona virus threat, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that ‘they are awaiting a ‘final call’ from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the final leg of Bangladesh’s three-part tour, scheduled to commence on the 1st of April.

The visitors are set to play a lone ODI and the second of two-match Test series in Karachi.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan has risen to 21 on Friday with 16 being reported in Karachi where Bangladesh is scheduled to play the lone ODI and the final Test.

“I talked with Nizamuddin, (BCB’s Chief executive) but he will first talk to his board and hopefully we will get some clarity in the next three days,” Waseem Khan, PCB chief executive, revealed on Saturday.

Doubts over the upcoming series initially surfaced when Pakistan confirmed its first case of coronavirus on February 26 in Karachi after which the BCB planned ‘To hold talks with PCB as the board (BCB) is not in favour of taking any kind of risk.’ Bangladesh, who had made changes in the initial itinerary of the last leg to get some more time to prepare for the second Test after the lone ODI, were scheduled to travel to Karachi on March 29, though it seems highly unlikely with fears surrounding the increase in suspected cases of coronavirus.

BCB chief executive, Nizamuddin Chowdhury also confirmed that ‘They are yet to receive any word from their Pakistani counterparts regarding the fate of the series.’ Pakistan is hosting the series so they will take the decision [regarding the upcoming tour of Pakistan] as it is their call. Let’s wait for their decision,” he said.

You are probably informed that least 9 to 10 cricketers returned back from their ongoing domestic tournament (PSL) and as a touring country we are waiting for their decision. The travel advisory have also given us different opinions and we are quite concerned about it. We are hopeful that PCB will announce their stand on the upcoming tour and announce their [final] decision soon,” he further added.

Jalal Yunus, BCB media committee chairman, too insisted that they are not ready to accept any last minute changes like change in venue as that would increase security concerns for the touring team. “I do not see any chance of the tour going ahead even if Pakistan proposed an alternative venue other than Karachi. BCB won’t agree to a last minute venue change as that would increase security concerns,” he concluded.