Bangladesh players receive clearance to play PSL

A top Bangladeshi government official said on Monday that national cricketers left for the Pakistan Super League after obtaining security clearance to participate in the tournament. Bangladesh State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haq had earlier told Cricbuzz that players would not take part if there were security concerns.

The announcement followed the Bangladesh Cricket Board's insistence on government clearance due to regional tensions. Hours after the announcement, four Bangladeshi cricketers departed for Pakistan, raising questions about whether they were traveling at their own risk.

A top government official clarified that permission was granted after discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and assurances from the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad. The official stated, "We have discussed with the ministry of foreign affairs (about the situation in Pakistan) and later they communicated with our High Commission in Islamabad and after they provided assurance we decided to give permission to play in PSL."

Cricbuzz obtained a copy of a document from the Bangladesh High Commission in Pakistan, dated March 23, regarding player security. The document noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan have declared a ceasefire ahead of Eid-ul Azha, which is expected to hold for the time being. It highlighted that PSL match venues in Lahore and Karachi are considered safe, and that the Pakistan Cricket Board announced no public gatherings at stadiums, with authorities committed to ensuring safety.

The letter concluded, "Under these circumstances, the Mission recommends that Bangladeshi cricketers can participate at the PSL matches."

Six players—Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Rishad Hossain—had previously received No Objection Certificates from the BCB after being selected by franchises for the tournament, scheduled from March 26 to May 3.