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After the successful completion of the two-match Test series amidst COVID-19 pandemic at Pallekele, Bangladesh Cricket Board is now looking to safely host Sri Lanka at Sher-e-Bangla for a three-match ODI series. Although the dates for the series to begin is May 23, there are speculations that the dates are likely to shift amid this COVID scare.
BCB chief Nizamuddin Chowdhury has stated that the board is "working step by step" to conduct the series comfortably. Meanwhile, there are a couple of additional problems in front of BCB as some of their players have returned from India after the suspension of IPL 2021 due to rise in COVID cases in bio-secure bubble. The list includes compatriots Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman who must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before joining the team, meaning they will have only three days with them to practice for the first ODI match scheduled to start on May 23.
Apart from this the Bangladesh board has also shown concern on the arrival of broadcast crew for the forthcoming series. The board does not have a permanent media right holder since last year and the fresh bid they have put on April 28 for a two-year deal will take place on May 17. Generally, BCB hires crew from India and South Africa and personnel arriving from either country will have to complete a 14-day quarantine which is not feasible.
“This is definitely a challenge. We might bring crew from other countries where cricket is being currently played,” said Chowdhury as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Meanwhile, the good news for the Bangladesh players who arrived from Sri Lanka on May 4 is that they can begin their training after testing negative for COVID-19.