No “major” changes in the playing conditions on Bangladesh tour

The Sri Lankan team arriving in Dhaka ahead of the tour 

By BIPIN DANI

The Sri Lankan team, which reached Dhaka half an hour before the scheduled arrival time on Monday will reciprocate the same protocol which was followed by the Bangladesh team during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, it is confirmed. 

According to the sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the visiting players will spend three days inside the hotel rooms. “They will be served food inside the hotel. From the fourth day (i.e. 19th May) onwards, they will be allowed to train outside but within the bubble,” one of the sources in the BCB’s medical unit, said exclusively over the telephone from Dhaka.

Players were scheduled to give the first PCR tests on Monday, to be followed by subsequent Covid-19 tests on 18th, 22nd and 27th May.  

“The Visiting team will not be provided any extra players or the net bowlers as decided,” the source added. “The Sri Lankan team will play a practice match with their team members on 20th May and Bangladesh will play the next day.” 

The BCB has also hired three doctors to assist both teams. Dr. Manjur and Dr. Shakil will coordinate with the visiting Sri Lankan doctors Dr. Dhanushka Dewapriya and Dr. Kiriella, for the smooth operation of the covid-related procedures and the matches. Dr. Palash will monitor the mirror bubble, meant for ground staff, transport men and other people.  “There have been no “major changes” in the MoU (Memorandum of Undertakings) signed by the CEOs’ of both boards - BCB and the SLC - except the operation of the floodlights when all three D/N matches will be played. It was not the case when the last two Test matches were played in Kandy”, the source further added.