Nahid Rana Pulls Out of Pakistan Tour Amid Security Concerns

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana has withdrawn from the national squad ahead of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, set to begin on May 28 in Lahore. Alongside him, fielding coach James Pamment and strength and conditioning coach Nathan Keily have also opted out of the tour.

The decision comes in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Rana, who was part of the Peshawar Zalmi squad during the Pakistan Super League, experienced difficulties when leaving Pakistan after the tournament was abruptly paused. A drone incident near the Rawalpindi stadium further heightened concerns.

While most of the Bangladesh squad is proceeding with the tour, Rana’s experience appears to have left a mark. “You can’t blame him for being shaken,” said BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim. “What Nahid and Rishad went through during PSL would unsettle anyone.”

Interestingly, Rishad Hossain—Rana’s teammate during the PSL—is still part of the touring party. According to Fahim, a few players were hesitant at first, but once they saw others willing to travel, they changed their minds.

Initially planned as a five-match series, the tour has been shortened to three games, all to be played in Lahore on May 28, 30, and June 1. The change followed rescheduling prompted by regional tensions.

Fahim emphasized that Pakistan has offered top-tier security guarantees. “I saw firsthand during the Champions Trophy how secure things are there. The PCB has promised nothing short of the highest-level security,” he said.

While Rana’s absence is notable, the inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman—fresh from his IPL stint—offers a boost to the squad. Litton Das will lead the team in this series, with Mahedi Hasan named vice-captain.

Despite the withdrawals, the tour continues as planned. The rest of the squad, according to BCB, is ready and prepared to represent Bangladesh on Pakistani soil. For Rana, however, the recent turbulence was enough to justify staying back.