Bangladesh’s preparations for their three-match T20I series against Pakistan have been hit by withdrawals, with young fast bowler Nahid Rana and two members of the support staff opting out of the tour.
According to sources, Nahid Rana, one of Bangladesh’s promising pace prospects, was named as part of the touring squad set to arrive in Lahore on May 25.
However, the 22-year-old has decided against travelling due to personal concerns stemming from recent regional tensions.
In addition to this, trainer Nathan Keily, and fielding coach James Pamment will not be part of the touring party.
Chairman of Cricket Operations for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Najmul Abedeen Fahim confirmed the development during a press briefing at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
"From the team announced earlier, Nahid Rana has withdrawn himself; he is not going. From the coaching staff, Jimmy and Nathan, our fielding coach and trainer, are not going either. The rest of them are going," Fahim stated.
Fahim added that while some players initially expressed hesitation about traveling, they eventually decided to participate.
“There was some discomfort among a few players at first, but they reconsidered and felt the challenges would not be as difficult as expected, so they are all going now,” he said.
Regarding Nahid’s withdrawal, Fahim pointed to the psychological impact of recent incidents during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
"Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain have faced such incidents that it’s quite natural to be traumatised.
So there’s nothing to blame, and maybe that’s why he has withdrawn himself," he explained.
In a positive update, Fahim confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman, currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, will join the Bangladesh squad for the Pakistan series, providing a significant boost to the team.
The wrist-spinner Rishad Hossain—who was part of the PSL squad earlier this year—has agreed to join the team for the upcoming tour. “Rishad is part of the touring squad this time,” Abedin noted.
Highlighting the safety measures, Abedin affirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had provided strong assurances regarding player security. “Pakistan always makes excellent security arrangements, and the PCB Chairman has assured us of full protection,” he added.
Originally, the series was scheduled to begin on May 25 in Faisalabad.
However, geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India caused disruptions, including the suspension and later resumption of PSL 10, which led to the revised series schedule.
Meanwhile, experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in the upcoming series, having been formally named the T20I captain after Najmul Hossain Shanto relinquished the role earlier this year.
Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan will serve as Das’s deputy on the UAE and Pakistan tours.
Bangladesh squad for T20Is series against Pakistan:
Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam