Sports Desk:

The ongoing cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan have cast a shadow over the Bangladesh cricket team’s upcoming tour of Pakistan.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, said they had not yet decided to postpone the tour.

On Tuesday night, India launched missile strikes at different locations in Pakistan.

In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, which indicates a broader conflict in the region.

Bangladesh team is scheduled to travel to the UAE on May 14 for a short T20 series, after which they are slated to fly to Lahore and Faisalabad for a five-match T20 series against Pakistan A.

Given the current security concerns, the BCB held an emergency meeting Wednesday evening to assess the situation.

BCB president Faruq Ahmed said no immediate decision has been made to cancel the tour, but the board will continue monitoring developments until May 10.

He added that the BCB hopes the situation will stabilise before the team’s scheduled travel.

The board is also concerned about Bangladeshi players Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana, currently playing in the Pakistan Super League.

Both players have informed the board they are safe. The BCB remains in close contact with the PSL and their respective franchises.

The UAE leg of the tour may also be reconsidered, as the T20 series there was arranged with Pakistan in mind. If the Pakistan tour is canceled, playing in the UAE’s extreme May heat might not be deemed worthwhile, officials hinted.