DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan Papon said that most of the players, coaching staff were not willing to visit Pakistan for playing cricket in January.

“Coaching staff and many cricketers do not want to go to Pakistan. Their families are also worried about this trip. Even the BCB too is worried,” Papon told journalists on Thursday (December 26).

BCB chief said: “It's still in process. The final decision is not being made right now.

He said: "There are many issues involved with the Pakistan series. It's a matter of whether we're going to play or not. Besides, we have players, coaching staff beyond the board. They have an opinion. It's a matter of whether they can play or not. The biggest security issue is whether to get a security clearance. There is no doubt about the security system that Pakistan is offering. I have seen myself, the girls have gone, and our under-16 team has gone too. The feedback I got from them that the security system is good.”

He also said, "Apart from the security system, a risk factor works in Pakistan. You also have to see if the coaching staffs go, because many have already said that they will not go while some have said that they may go, but for a short time, though most of the coaching staff is not willing to go. They say most don't want to go. I wanted to know, if agreed then why for a short while. There are many factors. One is their family. They say that our parents and relatives are all very worried about visiting Pakistan. They said what if you don’t go there. I spoke to (them) and everyone responded. Their family will be more worried and how long can such security be in?”

BDST: 2124 HRS, DEC 26, 2019

AH