Bangladesh to Train Longer in Lahore for Test Series

ISLAMABAD (AP) — In a move to bolster preparations for their upcoming test series against Pakistan, the Bangladesh cricket team will benefit from three additional training days in Lahore, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday. The decision comes in light of recent political unrest in Bangladesh, which has hindered the national team's training schedule ahead of the matches. The two-test series, part of the ICC’s World Test Championship, is set to commence in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second test scheduled for Karachi starting August 30. Initially, the Bangladesh team was expected to arrive in Pakistan on August 17; however, they will now reach Lahore on Tuesday. Training sessions are planned at Gaddafi Stadium from Wednesday to Friday, followed by a move to Islamabad for further practice at Pindi Cricket Stadium. The PCB extended the invitation for the team to arrive early to ensure they have sufficient training opportunities before the series. PCB chief operating officer Salman Naseer emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, stating, “Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about camaraderie.” He expressed confidence that the extra training would enable players to perform at their best. In response, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury expressed gratitude to the PCB, noting that the additional training days would help players acclimatize to local conditions and enhance their preparation for the series.