The England cricket team will not play any practise matches in Bangladesh before the ODI series, which begins on March 1, according to Nizamuddin Chowdhury, the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Before the commencement of the three-match series, the Three Lions were scheduled to play two practise games on February 24 and 26. All games will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Following the ODIs, the tourists will head to Chattogram for two T20Is between March 9 and 12.
“England notified us that they want to limit their visit to official matches, and we are preparing appropriately,” Nizamuddin added.
Meanwhile, there has been sadness that Sylhet would not be able to host international games once again. Sylhet International Cricket Stadium recently held Bangladesh Premier League matches and received a positive reaction from cricket fans.
Meanwhile, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, who represents the Sylhet Division in the BCB, voiced his disappointment that the stadium would not be able to accommodate foreign teams despite all they have done.
Nizamuddin also came out in favour of Nadel, saying that they were contemplating hosting a practise game in the stadium with England. He also said that the stadium will host games during Ireland’s trip to Bangladesh.
“We have certain intentions, while touring team have some requests, and after taking everything into account, we choose the places. From that point on, we planned to host England practise games at Sylhet. However, the England squad is only interested in playing official matches, therefore that could not happen,” he said.
“We are hosting Ireland at Sylhet, so it is not a fact, and we want to utilise every venue by playing it at various times,” Nizamuddin continued.
After England, the Tigers will face Ireland in three ODIs, three T20Is, and a one-off Test. The trip will begin on March 18th.
