BD-SL ODI series could be delayed

The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka could be delayed for some days. There are rumors in the country’s cricket arena that the series may start from May 27 instead of May 23.

Although no announcement or decision to postpone the series has been made yet, it is learned that it will take some more time to fully prepare for the series. The main problem hides mainly in the production team. When this team of Indian workers arrives in Dhaka, they must go under quarantine. So there is no opportunity to go to work before that.

The production team, named as ‘Real Impact’ has long been involved in broadcasting cricket in Bangladesh. Most of the people of this group are Indian. So when they visit Bangladesh for the Sri Lanka series, they will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days. Because according to the instructions of the government, formal quarantine of 14 days is mandatory for returnees from India.

As the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been following the ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’, there is no possibility of relaxing the Covid Protocol. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is therefore forced to accept the matter. So the plan is to postpone the series a bit.

However, if the BCB can come up with an alternative arrangement, i.e. give the responsibility of broadcasting the series to another production team, then there is an opportunity to prepare everything within the stipulated time even if the series is not postponed. However, if ‘Real Impact’ is given the responsibility, then there’s full possibility that first ODI will be played on May 27.

According to the announced schedule, the Lankans will arrive in Bangladesh on May 16. After coming to Bangladesh, after 3 days of quarantine, they will start practicing. The three matches of the series are scheduled to be held on May 23, 25 and 27.

Kusal Perera in line to take over ODI captaincy

Wicketkeeper batter Kusal Perera is a frontrunner to replace Dimuth Karunaratne, who is already the Test captain, as the ODI skipper. If finalised, Perera’s tenure begin in the upcoming Bangladesh tour, according to reports in Sri Lankan media. Kusal Mendis could play as deputy.

The move is going to be taken keeping the 2023 50-over World Cup in mind.

“We are focusing on the 2023 World Cup and this is a good learning experience for the players,” an official close to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) told Daily News Sri Lanka.

“We want to groom a new captain and most probably Kusal Mendis is tipped to be the new Vice-Captain. We want to give him that confidence by naming him as the Vice-Captain.”

Sri Lanka is looking to give young cricketers more exposure in the rebuilding process. That could see Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal. All-rounder Thisara Perera has recently called on his international career.

“The selectors want to give opportunities to the young players, so it’s likely that several senior players will get dropped from the side,” the source explained.

“Our aim is to set up shadow players for the national team and especially to focus on the 2023 World Cup.”