Australia put Bangladesh tour on hold after security threat
Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Test team’s departure to Bangladesh for the upcoming tour has been delayed until further notice, cricket.com.au reports. The move follows security concerns raised by the Australian government who revealed that they had received "reliable information" about terrorists planning to carry out attacks against the touring party.
Australia are set to take on Bangladesh in a two-Test series next month and were set to depart for the Asian nation on Monday from their various home states with the whole team set to assemble at capital city Dhaka upon their arrival. However, following the recent development, the departure of the squad has been put on hold.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Sutherland cited security advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as the reason behind the move, but added that they were hopeful that the tour would go ahead as planned.
"We have received advice from DFAT 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 and are planning for that, but the safety and security of our players and support staff is our number-one priority and won't be compromised.”
Sutherland confirmed that only the team’s departure has been delayed, as of now, and added that they would be keeping the players and others concerned updated over further developments on the matter.
"We will wait to receive updated security information early in the week before confirming the team's travel arrangements. In the meantime, we are working with the ACA and keeping our players and support staff fully informed," Sutherland said.
DFAT’s security advice
The following are the excerpts from the advice that was handed to the Australian cricket team by the DFAT:
"Australians should exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the uncertain political and security situation. Australians should be aware that normal travel in many parts of Dhaka is often not possible due to arbitrary acts of violence.”
“Bangladesh has experienced a number of terrorist incidents in the past and security agencies in Bangladesh continue to arrest people connected to terrorist organisations. Further attacks are possible, including against Western interests."