Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, according to sources.
Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Tuesday (May 17) that the national squad will play a tri-nation series in New Zealand to round off their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup, which will take place in October.
“The tri-series in New Zealand will be our last international T20 assignment before the ICC WCT20. Though it is yet to be finalized (the third team of the tri-series) but most probably Pakistan will be the other team apart from the host New Zealand”
BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus
Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand, will begin in Christchurch on October 7 or 8, with New Zealand and Pakistan as the other teams. It will be Bangladesh’s final T20 international project before the World Cup begins in Australia in 2022.
Pakistan has already booked seven Twenty20 Internationals against England at home in September. The 2022 World Cup will begin on October 16 in Australia, leaving only a little window for the tri-series to be held in New Zealand.
As they prepare for Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand, the Men in Green will hope to incorporate the tri-series in their itinerary. Pakistan will be out to avenge their previous edition’s semi-final loss to Australia and capture their first T20 World Cup championship since 2009.
Before Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand, Bangladesh is hosting Ireland for one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is in September, while New Zealand has no international obligations during that time.
For Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand, Bangladesh will train for around a week in Adelaide before flying to Christchurch for the tri-series. During their camp in Adelaide, the visitors will play a few T20s against the Australian domestic team. Apart from the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20 series against the West Indies and Zimbabwe before continuing their World Cup campaign in Adelaide.
Tamim Iqbal’s Participation Uncertain in Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand
Yunus also doubted Tamim Iqbal’s inclusion in the squad, citing the player’s announcement of a six-month hiatus from the game’s shortest version. Iqbal’s selection for the World Cup will be decided at a later date, based on his availability during that time frame.
”Tamim Iqbal is one of the senior players in our side and he understands his position better than anyone else. You all know we had a meeting with him regarding this. He had told you (media) exclusively about his plan and now what we have to say”
BCB Chairman Jalal Yunus
He will officially inform you of his decision when the six-month term has passed, and you will learn about his plan through him; I will not be able to comment on it. We tried for three to four months, and he said he made the decision based on his work and future, and we respect that,” he added.
The news of Bangladesh & Pakistan to play tri-series in New Zealand has come a pleasant surprise to cricket fans.