Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
The Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka is reportedly very close to being finalised. According to ESPNCricinfo, the tour schedule is currently taking shape, which will now include T20Is after the tour originally comprised of just three Tests.
Specifically, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Mohan de Silva has said that the two boards have agreed on Bangladesh’s departure date. However, SLC and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are currently working to finalise the details of the tour. This includes the number of Tests, which could now be down to two, after the BCB requested that the tour now comprises of three T20Is.
“It is more or less [finalized],” de Silva said to Dhaka-based TV channel Maasranga. “We are actually negotiating. They [BCB] want to play three T20Is and three Tests. So we are actually negotiating with them to reduce one Test and then play the T20Is. We will be able to confirm it within a day or two.”
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could return to international cricket in this tour. He is all set to return to training, as his ban ends on October 29. Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo believes that Shakib’s training is crucial to achieve optimal fitness, as he won’t be able to play any official/warm up matches while banned. So, Domingo and Bangladesh will enquire whether Shakib can play in unofficial matches, such intra-squad games.

It is something that we have to discuss with the selectors. I don’t think he can play any official game before October 29, so all games that he plays have to be unofficial games. It might be inter-squad games but we need to have clarity if he is allowed to play that,” said Domingo.
However, Domingo believes that Shakib can hit his strides well, given that Bangladesh’s cricketers, as well as those around the world, have not played for months due to COVID-19.
“I think Shakib being out for a year is not that much different to the rest of our squad who have been out for six or seven months as well,” Domingo said to ESPNCricinfo. “We are hoping all the players are fit. Obviously, there are standards that they need to attain in terms of fitness level. We have to organize a bit of game time for Shakib, as well as for all the players. It is very difficult to get into international cricket without any sort of cricket. I think we need to try to find some opportunities for him to play some games. He is a world-class player so I am sure he will get back into it pretty soon, but fitness is an important thing.”
“He has to make sure he is fit and that he starts hitting balls and bowling some balls. Once we assemble before heading off to Sri Lanka – when that tour is confirmed – we will get closer to making a decision. There’s still a while to go; it is only August now. His ban finishes in two-and-a-half months. When he is fit and available, we will cross that bridge.”
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan set to return to training as his ban is close to ending