We can’t say no even if the series is delayed: Nazmul

Bangladesh Cricket team will complete the two-Test tour in New Zealand even if the series got delayed due to the extended quarantine of the cricketers, Said Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan.

Rangana Herath, the spin bowling coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team, tested Covid-19 positive. Therefore, the Bangladesh team’s quarantine period was extended.

Nazmul said that many cricketers wanted to come back to Bangladesh due to the prolonged quarantine period, but BCB is positive about the tour going forward.

“Many cricketers were thinking about returning home, calling off the series, but there is no score for such things. If the quarantine is extended after December 21, then we will think about it,” Nazmul told the reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

The BCB directors had an emergency meeting on Saturday at noon at the BCB office, and after the meeting, Nazmul told the reporters that there is no chance of bringing the team back.

“Even if the series is pushed back by three-four days, still we can’t say no. We have told them that without proper training and preparation, we are not going to play,” said Nazmul.

The BCB president also said that at this point, the only way out is to wait till December 21.

“On December 21, everyone will be tested again. If they come out covid negative, I think the players can come out and train. It is not possible to bring them back. Do you think the New Zealand government will allow anyone in close contact with an Omicron variant carrier to go to the airport and take a flight? Which Airlines will bring them back? Let’s see till the 21st. It’s only a matter of two more days,” Nazmul told the reporters on Saturday.

The BCB President said that the New Zealand government is very sensitive about it as Bangladesh cricket team members came in close contact with a person carrying an omicron variant which raised the alert level.

“The New Zealand-bound passenger, infected by Omicron variant, was the first case of Omicron virus in their country. In one group, 19 members of ours were given the blue band, and those seated close to that person were given the yellow band. Those who were in band blue, their quarantine ended three days before, they went to the gym, and suddenly they found that they were shifted to yellow-band because Herath was found Covid-19 positive,” said Nazmul.

“We have to understand that the New Zealand government is much stricter in terms of handling the Covid-19 situation than any other country. The quarantine policy in New Zealand is also hard. They are not taking any chances as that was the first case of Omicron detection,” Nazmul added.