The Bangladesh cricket team, currently in Pakistan for a two-match Test series, has raised concerns with their management over slow internet connectivity, which is hindering their ability to communicate with family members back home.
The Bangladesh team arrived in Pakistan earlier than initially planned, following civil unrest in Dhaka, which prompted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to accept an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to arrive ahead of schedule.
However, their stay has been marred by internet disruptions affecting numerous Pakistani cities. These disruptions are reportedly linked to the federal government’s intensified efforts to monitor internet traffic, resulting in a significant slowdown in services nationwide.
The slow internet has particularly affected the Bangladesh players’ ability to check in with their families, adding stress to their stay in Pakistan. The team, which is currently training in Lahore, will travel to Islamabad on August 17 to continue their preparations for the first Test match.
The opening match of the series is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting on August 21, with the second Test set to commence on August 30 in Karachi.
The widespread nature of the internet issues has led to speculation about their origins. Many users suspect that the government is behind the disruptions, possibly implementing a firewall to monitor and control online activity.
The government has been conducting trials of a social media firewall aimed at regulating online content and ensuring national security. Internet service providers have installed firewalls capable of blocking social media apps and restricting audio and video downloads, as part of efforts to curb controversial content and propaganda on social media platforms.