Protest in Bangladesh raise questions over Pakistan’s participation in major events

KARACHI: Protests in Bangladesh against Pakistan has raised several doubts over Pakistan’s participation in major events, Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, next year, ARY News reported on Thursday.

Demonstrations and protest rallies remained continue by anti-government groups in Bangladesh causing several casualties and continues to surround fire. Recently, West Indies Cricket Board had withdrawn its Under-19 team from the ongoing tour of Bangladesh, following an explosion near the team hotel and some other international teams has shown serious concerns about playing in Bangladesh.

Relations between the countries were strained after the National Assembly passed a resolution to condemn the execution of a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader, Abdul Qadir Mullah over war crimes in 1971. The resolution fueled anti-Pakistan sentiments and triggered strong protests in Bangladesh, where the Asia Cup (February 24 to March 7) and the ICC World Twenty20 (March 16 to April 6) will be hosted. As a consequence, security concerns for the Pakistan team have been raised.

The final decision will be taken by International Cricket Council (ICC) whether to change the venue from Bangladesh or not after the protest against Pakistan that’s makes PCB hesitant to send their players to Bangladesh and concerns from other teams as well.