Bangladesh cleared to tour Pakistan after ceasefire, Lahore to host all matches

Pakistan`s Muhammad Rizwan plays a sweep shot watched by Bangladesh`s wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan (L) during T20 WC 2022 (Pic: AFP)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that Bangladesh will proceed with the limited-overs tour, despite initial uncertainties due to heightened cross-border tensions with India earlier this month. Originally scheduled to feature five T20Is starting May 25, the tour has now been trimmed to a three-match series, with dates yet to be finalised.

The series had come under threat following a four-day military standoff between India and Pakistan, marking one of the most serious escalations in decades. A ceasefire was later brokered, but the impact was felt across both nations, including in their domestic cricketing calendars.

The PCB revealed that discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had addressed security concerns raised by some visiting players. "PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi convinced them of full security and the series now comprises three T20Is instead of five," a board press release said, as per AFP. All three T20Is will be played in Lahore, likely after the PSL final on May 25.

The PSL 2025, Pakistan's premier T20 league, was also disrupted amid the geopolitical tensions and forced into a 10-day hiatus. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which also faced an unexpected pause earlier this month, resumed on Saturday, albeit under wet conditions, with the fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders ending in a washout.

PSL 2025 at a glance

Initially, there were contingency plans to shift the remainder of the PSL to the United Arab Emirates, but those were eventually abandoned. Instead, the tournament has resumed in Pakistan with eight matches remaining, culminating in the final now rescheduled for May 25, a week later than the originally planned date.

Saturday's clash between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi showcased an impressive international lineup. The Kings featured captain and Australian legend David Warner, alongside Ben McDermott, James Vince, and Mohammad Nabi. Peshawar fielded the likes of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Max Bryant, and Luke Wood.

The remaining four league-stage matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, while the playoffs and final are scheduled for Lahore. Of the upcoming fixtures, only Sunday's first game, a day clash between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, will be held in daylight. All other matches are set for a 7:30 PM local time start.