PCB Makes Last-Minute Change Ahead of Bangladesh ODI Tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed Naveed Akram Cheema as manager of the national men’s team for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Bangladesh.

Naveed Akram Cheema, who has served multiple stints as Pakistan team manager, will not travel with the squad for the Dhaka tour.

In his place, the PCB has named Irtaza Kumail, an 18th-grade police officer and former team security manager, as the new manager for the Bangladesh series. Kumail joined the PCB around two years ago and has previously worked with the national side in security-related duties.

Following Kumail’s appointment, Salman Liaquat is set to accompany the Pakistan team for the first time as a security officer.

Pakistan’s ODI squad is scheduled to hold a two-day training camp in Karachi on March 6 and 7 before departing for Dhaka on March 8. All three ODIs will be played in Bangladesh.

The PCB has also confirmed that Pakistan’s foreign coaching staff will link up with the team directly in Dhaka. The overseas contingent includes head coach Mike Hesson alongside Ashley Noffke, Shane McDermott, Cliffe Deacon and Grant Luden.

The Bangladesh series will mark Pakistan’s first ODI assignment since their three-match home series against Sri Lanka in November last year, with the management change coming days before the team’s departure.