Bangladesh Fast Bowler Rana, Staff Withdraw from Pakistan Tour Over Security Concerns

Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana has withdrawn from the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan due to trauma experienced during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, particularly an emergency evacuation from Pakistan while playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Bangladesh Cricket Board's cricket operations chairman, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, expressed understanding of Rana's decision and noted that two key coaching staff members, fielding coach James Pamment and strength and conditioning coach Nathan Keily, have also opted out of the tour citing security concerns. While some other players initially hesitated, they were reassured by the majority's decision to proceed, supported by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi's assurances of the highest level of security. The tour, originally planned as a five-match series, has been shortened to three T20Is to be played in Lahore. Rana's teammate Rishad Hossain, who also experienced the PSL evacuation, chose to participate in the tour. Fahim emphasized that Pakistan provides exceptional security for touring teams, referencing prior events like the Champions Trophy as evidence.