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Tuesday, December 24, 2024  
21 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446  

Coach Law expresses security concerns over Pakistan tour

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket coach Stuart Law has expressed fears about the team's scheduled tour to troubled Pakistan, where international cricket going to be resumed after three years.

Bangladesh are set to be the first team to visit Pakistan Lahore Test in 2009.

"It's got to be made sure by the two associating boards that everyone is 100 percent safe to go," he said in comments reported in Tuesday's Dhaka-based New Age newspaper.

"I cannot speak on behalf of the players. I have spent time with the players and everyone is a bit concerned. Not just Bangladesh, but the other teams as well," he said.

"The first initial response from the players around the world is: 'I don't want to go.'"

Bangladesh will play one 50-over game and a Twenty20 international on April 29 and 30 in Lahore, a move hailed by Pakistani political leaders, players and fans.

But newspapers in Bangladesh criticised Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Mustafa Kamal for agreeing to the tour.

Law, from Australia, declined to confirm if he would go on the tour, while Bangladesh's cricket authorities said they were seeking clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Foreign teams forcing Pakistan to play their home series on neutral venues, mostly in the United Arab Emirates. (AFP)