PCB likely to give 'green signal' for Pak to participate in Asia Cup, World T20

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly softened its stance on the team's participation at the forthcoming Asia Cup in Bangladesh and has seemingly given the green signal for the team to attend both the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh.

The recent unrest in Bangladesh due to general elections and the growing anti-Pakistan sentiment in the last few weeks had prompted the PCB to request a change in venue for the Asia Cup and the ICC World T20.

According to the Express Tribune, PCB Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Najam Sethi had originally bid to convey his security apprehensions over the Bangladesh turmoil and ask the governing body to assess back up options in case the situation deteriorated further.

However, Sethi, after meeting top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, said that both the tournaments would be held in Bangladesh as scheduled, saying that the BCB promised to make special arrangements in case the PCB asks for a beef-up in security.

Sethi also said that the BCB conveyed that they have got assurance from all political and religious parties that they will not disrupt the events, adding that it is important for Pakistan to participate in the two tournaments as a withdrawal would further isolate the PCB besides resulting in a financial loss.

Meanwhile, a PCB official hoped the Pakistani government would not bar the team from participating in the two events.