DHAKA — Pakistan will play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20 match on its month-long tour of Bangladesh starting later this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said Monday. All matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in capital Dhaka, apart from the first Test which will be held in Khulna.
Tour itinerary: April 17: First ODI, Dhaka; April 19: Second ODI, Dhaka; April 22: Third ODI, Dhaka; April 24: T20 international, Dhaka; April 28 to May 2: First Test, Khulna; May 6 to 10: Second Test, Dhaka.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will lead Bangladesh in the opening One-day International (ODI) of its three-match series against Pakistan due to a ban on captain Mashrafe Mortaza, according to a report.
Shakib, who earlier said the series is “Bangladesh's best chance to beat Pakistan”, is currently training with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the start of its Indian Premier League (IPL) title defense from April 8.
Paceman Mortaza was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for one match due to slow over rate in its World Cup quarterfinal against India last month and will lead the host in the remaining two ODIs and the lone T20.
Wicket-keeper/batsman Mushfiqur Rahim will captain Bangladesh in the Test series.
Shakib will play two games for KKR before joining the Bangladesh team and said that doing well in the IPL will help him gather confidence for the Pakistan series.
“Obviously, I have the Pakistan tour on my mind,” he told reporter in Kolkata. “Because I will play only two matches. If I do play in the first two matches and play well, the confidence will come in handy.”
He hoped his absence wouldn't be a blow for the KKR side as it aims for a successful defense of its crown and win a third title overall.
“I don't think my absence will be a problem,” he said. “Our [KKR's] bench strength is very strong. We have got depth in our side.
“I will also possibly play the last two league matches. Of course, my target would be to contribute like last season.” — Agencies
