Couple of years back, following the attacks on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to tour Pakistan for security reasons. Perhaps, it was time to payback, when Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), still bitter and unhappy with Bangladesh’s decision, rejected to tour Bangladesh. This is not the first time that PCB has discarded their offer. Since 2008, it is the second time PCB has denied to tour Bangladesh, quoting security reasons.For sure, the relations between the two boards are not on the right track. The relation took a serious blow, earlier in March 2009, when Bangladesh refused to host 5 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 2 Twenty20 matches. PCB is also unhappy about the stance Bangladesh Cricket Board took, when the ICC decided not schedule any matches in Pakistan for the 2011 World Cup. ICC, eventually decided not cater Pakistan, after the security lapses in the country, and decided to arrange the world cup in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka only.
Bangladesh Cricket Board cited that the refusal to host Pakistan for the series was because their government did not permit the series; however, the Pakistan Cricket Board felt that the Bangladesh Cricket Board did not stand shoulder to shoulder, after attacks on the Sri Lankan team. Certainly, PCB was hoping for something more than what BCB had offered. Historically, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan, and being a Muslim nation, most definitely PCB’s expectations were a lot more after the turmoil.
Ever since the unfortunate attacks on Sri Lankan international cricket team took place, no International team has toured Pakistan. Earlier this year, Zimbabwe cricket union accepted to play in Pakistan, and gave the dates from 8-19 December; however, the plans changed, after the government did not give a security clearance, citing Muharram as a reason.
Zimbabwe’s tour to Pakistan is still on a hold; meanwhile, Pakistan is going to tour New Zealand this December. The first test match starts on 26th December at Auckland. New Zealand will be heading back to home after facing humiliating defeat at the hands of India. On the other hand, Pakistan would like to carry the momentum they gained against South Africa. Both teams will be keen to perform well as the World Cup 2011 approaches.
