Bangladesh unhappy over Asia Cup 2023 scheduling

Bangladesh will play their Asia Cup 2023 group match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele and Afghanistan in Lahore.

On Thursday, July 20th, the Bangladesh Cricket Board admitted that the extensive traveling required for the upcoming Asia Cup will impact the team's performance. The tournament is using a hybrid model, and according to the schedule, Bangladesh, placed in Group B, will have their group phase matches in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Following Bangladesh's first group B match against Sri Lanka on August 31st, they will then have to travel to Pakistan for their second group match against Afghanistan on September 3rd. If they qualify, they will play their first Super Four game before traveling back to Sri Lanka for the remaining two Super Four matches. If they reach the final, that match will also be held in Sri Lanka. The frequent and long journeys between countries may pose a challenge for the team during the tournament.

"Yes, we have to go to Lahore to play the first match. There are two matches in the first round, one in Sri Lanka and the other one is in Pakistan. We have to go as we can do nothing actually. After the 31st [August] the next match is on 3rd [September]. To make the journey comfortable the Asia Cup authorities [ACC] has decided to travel the teams in chartered flights. We will travel by chartered planes. This is the responsibility of the Asian Cricket Council. Of course, we would like to travel by quality airline, if that is a national airline or a chartered plane definitely that would be good for everyone," Bangladesh Cricket Board cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.

"If you travel certainly there will be an impact which I feel because when you are travelling by air you will have to go two hours earlier and carry your luggage and preparing all these things is mentally stressful. Pakistan is far away from Sri Lanka. So there is nothing to do, since it is ACC's decision, everyone is playing like this. We also have to accept it," he added.

Tamim Iqbal's Retirement Decision and Reversal After Prime Minister's Request

Tamim Iqbal who recently announced his retirement from cricket but later changed his decision after a request from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is currently taking a break of about one and a half months.

Due to back issues, Tamim is planning to meet with physicians in England before coming back to his home country. It is known that he will also have discussions with the cricket board to decide on his future course of action.

"Tamim will be going to London on 26th. After his treatment there a decision will be taken based on his condition. His plan is to return to the country by 31st. The decision going forward will be dependent on his physical condition," he mentioned that they will make a decision about Tamim Iqbal's availability once he returns after his break.

"The medical department will decide on which cricketers will be kept in the side and who will be excluded. When a team plays, of course it does so with full fitness," he said.