Security concerns delay Australia deaprture for Bangladesh

Australia cricket team’s departure to Bangladesh for their upcoming bilateral series has been delayed due to security concerns.

Australia were due to leave for Bangladesh on September 28, separately from their respective home cities in Australia, and gather together as a unit only on arrival in Dhaka.

The tour starts with a 3-day warm-up game against Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) XI from October 3 to 5.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued the warning in its website on Friday saying there was a potential security risk from militants.

“We will wait to receive updated security information early in the week before confirming the team’s travel arrangements”.

Western Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft and Tasmania fast bowler Andrew Fekete are the uncapped names in the 15-man touring party.

“There is no alarm regarding security as far as we are concerned and we have taken the opinion of all relevant agencies because safety of the Australian team is our priority as it is with all visiting teams to Bangladesh”.

“In the meantime, we’re working with the ACA (Australian Cricketers Association) and holding our gamers and help employees absolutely knowledgeable”. It may be noted that the DFAT advisory is a general indicator for Australians planning on travelling overseas and the current security and safety level for Bangladesh is similar to other countries of the region.

“Australians should exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the uncertain political and security situation”.

Regarding this, DMP Joint Commissioner Monirul Islam said they had no information on any kind of threat to the Australian officials.

The Australian team was due to fly out of Sydney tomorrow morning for the three-week tour, which includes two test matches against Bangladesh.

It is now unknown if the matches will go ahead as scheduled.