The second T20I between Bangladesh and Pakistan is taking place in a subdued atmosphere at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, as the match coincides with a national day of mourning declared in response to the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka.
On the afternoon of 21 July, a training aircraft from the Bangladesh Air Force reportedly suffered a mechanical failure and crashed into the school’s primary section just as students were preparing to leave for the day. The devastating incident claimed the lives of many schoolchildren and left several others critically injured. The government subsequently announced 22 July as a national day of mourning.
In solidarity, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) suspended all in-stadium entertainment for the day. No music is to be played during the match, and there would be no celebratory activities between overs or after wickets. Flags at the stadium and the BCB headquarters will also be flown at half-mast, and both teams will observe a minute of silence before play began.
Players and officials from Bangladesh and Pakistan wore black armbands as a symbol of respect. The BCB also arranged special prayers for those who lost their lives and for those still fighting for recovery. Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul extended his deepest condolences and reaffirmed the BCB’s support for the grieving nation.
Leading cricketers including Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Tamim Iqbal also expressed their condolences in the aftermath of the tragedy.
On the cricketing front, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field. Bangladesh made two changes to the XI that won the first match: Mohammad Naim replaced Tanzid Hasan Tamim at the top of the order, while Shoriful Islam came in for Taskin Ahmed. Pakistan made one change to their side. The match began at 6.00 pm local time.
