Sports Reporter

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is hopeful about bringing international cricket back to the country as the board is waiting for a feedback from the West Indies cricket board regarding the Windies’ scheduled to tour to Bangladesh in January next year for three Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is.

The BCB has already sent a bio-bubble plan to Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the health authorities of the government and is awaiting a feedback before making the final decision.

“As per our communication with the West Indies cricket board, we have already sent a bio-bubble plan to them and the authorities of our government. Once we get the feedback from the West Indies board, we can make the final decision,” BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told media yesterday.

Chowdhury also said that the BCB is willing to complete the tour in a short time. “What we understand from the West Indies board is that we need to keep the tour short and our main target will be to fulfil what we have on our FTP (Future Tours Programme). We are working accordingly but we are yet to reach a final decision,” he said.

The BCB is all set to host the Bangabandhu T20 Cup by the end of this month, and although the schedule of the five-team domestic tournament is yet to be finalised, according to Chowdhury the board is willing to finish the tournament by the time they host West Indies.

Following a seven-month halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, cricket in the country returned through the 50-over BCB President’s Cup. However, it was in March this year that Bangladesh had an international series, with the Tigers hosting Zimbabwe.

Hosting an international series after the pandemic might be challenging in regards to maintaining safety protocols, but BCB is gradually gaining experience by hosting domestic competitions.