Bangladesh Test plans in Pakistan thrown into doubt

Tigers' players reportedly unwilling to be in Pakistan for three weeks

Bangladesh are unwilling to tour Pakistan for three weeks. AP

There is a cloud of uncertainty over Bangladesh’s proposed tour of Pakistan with some players apparently unwilling to be in the country for three weeks.

Bangladesh are scheduled to visit Pakistan in January for two Tests and three T20s. However, the length of the visit has caused some concern.

"Players are not willing to go to Pakistan for a tour spanning over three weeks. The coaching staff have already expressed their disapproval. Three T20s are okay, as the tour will finish in seven-eight days. But they don't want to go there for 21 days," a Bangladesh board official was quoted as saying in the The Indian Express.

Last month, it was reported that almost the entire Bangladesh coaching staff – including head coach Russell Domingo, fast bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and batting consultant Neil McKenzie – had expressed their unwillingness to tour Pakistan.

The report added the Bangladesh board realise the Test series is part of the World Test Championship and they will make their move accordingly.

“We might request the Pakistan board host the series at a neutral venue. If it comes to that, we hope that the ICC will consider our case,” the official added.

Earlier this year, the Bangladesh team narrowly escaped the Christchurch mosque attack during their tour of New Zealand.

This month, the Sri Lankan cricket board announced they had agreed to a Test tour of Pakistan. The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is set to take place in Rawalpindi and Karachi from December 11 to 23. Sri Lanka played an ODI and T20 series in Pakistan last month, even as several top players withdrew from the tour due to security concerns.