Bangladesh tour still in the balance

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the picture should become clearer with head of security Sean Carroll due to meet with cricket officials and police in the country today.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that the members of the Australian team are willing to travel to Bangladesh despite the tour being delayed due to security concerns raised by the Australian government. Led by new skipper Steve Smith, the team were due to depart from their various home ports on Monday but that has been put on hold.

Cricket Australia said on Sunday it would seek assurances from its Bangladesh counterpart before proceeding with the team’s October tour, amid government fears that “militants may be planning to target Australian interests”.

“Further attacks are possible, including against Western interests”, DFAT’s advice stated.

“We want to make sure we do this properly and are not panicking”, Howard told the Big Sky Breakfast radio show.

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

Bangladesh Women’s team will be welcomed in Pakistan with great joy like Zimbabwe and we hope the tour goes on smoothly with any security threats coming in between.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has issued a statement assuring Cricket Australia that there were no security concerns for their players in Bangladesh.

“The board wanted to know our decision, whether we want to or don’t want to go”.

“This has obviously come very suddenly and we needed to make this response”.

“If they’re still saying don’t go in a week or two weeks’ time then we’re having a different conversation”.

Australia have not played in Bangladesh since three ODIs in 2011, with their last Test in the country taking place in 2006.

“Meetings will commence on Monday and we’ll have a much better understanding of things from there”. “We’re awaiting updated and more detailed assessments and will keep the players informed of any developments”.