Three members of the Bangladesh national cricket team setup — pacer Nahid Rana, fielding coach James Pamment, and strength & conditioning coach Nathan Kiely — will not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming bilateral series, confirmed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) member Nazmul Abedin Fahim.
The decision comes against the backdrop of growing security concerns and rising regional tensions between India and Pakistan. Several international cricketers and staff involved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have already pulled out of the tournament, with safety cited as a key issue.
Bangladesh are set to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series, but the absence of Rana, Pamment, and Kiely reflects caution on the part of the BCB as diplomatic strain in the region continues to affect international cricket schedules.
“Due to the situation and the proximity of the series, these three will not be travelling with the team to Pakistan,” Fahim said, without elaborating further.
Nahid Rana, a promising young pacer, has been part of Bangladesh’s recent white-ball squads and was expected to be in contention for selection. James Pamment and Nathan Kiely, two vital members of the backroom staff, have been closely involved in preparing the national side across formats.
While the BCB has not issued a formal statement beyond Fahim’s confirmation, the withdrawal is viewed as a precautionary move in light of the broader security assessments and ongoing geopolitical developments in the region.
With international cricket’s relationship with Pakistan still marred by logistical complications and safety considerations, such decisions are expected to be scrutinised closely — especially as more teams weigh the risks of touring the country under current circumstances.
The series schedule remains unchanged for now, and Bangladesh are still expected to field a full-strength side under the available coaching setup.