|| CF DESK ||

New Zealand was scheduled to play a warm-up match before beginning the five-match T20s against Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated that the warm-up match will not be held due to the need for a separate bio-bubble zone at BKSP for the warm-up game.

At the same time, the Kiwis did not want to play the warm-up match because they have to travel to BKSP from Dhaka, which is also a cause of concern.

"When our team goes on a tour, our goal is to ensure the facilities of practice matches or opportunities. So that they can adapt to the conditions. So, there are always such things. They were also offered the same,” said the CEO to the media.

“Since there is a bio-bubble issue. We have to prepare a bio bubble in the venue to play the match. They have shown disinterest in these issues. As they want the series to conclude with the least amount of movement,” he added.

New Zealand last toured Bangladesh in 2013, so far, the Tigers faced the Kiwis in one T20 at home. Bangladesh lost the match by 15 runs, however, they won the ODI series by a complete sweep in their last encounter.

However, New Zealand Cricket has requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board to provide Covid-19 safety protocol similar to that in place when the Australia cricket team visited Dhaka earlier this month.

“They have been requesting us to provide the same bio-bubble protocol that was in place for Australia. We will also try to create a similar environment. Like I have said before, the bio-bubble was not to keep only Australia or now New Zealand team safe, but our team too. Considering all the facts and practicality we will try to create a bio-bubble environment and complete this series successfully as well,” said Nizamuddin.