Cricket Australia announced on Saturday that due to safety and security concerns it had delayed the world champions’ departure for next month’s tour of Bangladesh.
CA chief executive James Sutherland said that advice from the Australian government had identified a potential security risk to Australian interests in Bangladesh. The team was due to leave Sydney on Monday but will now wait for further security advice.
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“We have received advice from DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and based on that information we are working with security experts and the Bangladesh Cricket Board on a revised security plan for the tour,” Sutherland said.
“We want the tour to go ahead but the safety and security of our players and support staff is our number-one priority. We will wait to receive updated security information before confirming the team’s travel arrangements.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizmuddin Chowdhury appeared taken aback by the news.
“We are surprised, because the situation in Bangladesh is very calm,” he said. “Cricket was never interrupted in Bangladesh for security reason and we believe it will never happen. We are hopeful the tour will be on schedule.”
