Cricket Australia to delay departure for Bangladesh tour

Australia, led by new skipper Steve Smith, were due to depart their various home ports on Monday with the full squad not assembling until arrival in Dhaka, CA said in a statement.

Australia cricket chief James Sutherland is hopeful his side can still go ahead with their upcoming tour of Bangladesh.

Australian government sources identified a “potential security risk to Australian interests” in Bangladesh, according to Cricket Australia.

The first test was due to begin Oct. 9 at Chittagong, with the second test set to be played from Oct. 17 in Dhaka.

“The advice is for ordinary civilians who are travelling on holidays or on business in Bangladesh, which is very different to the Australian cricket team, which is afforded the highest level of security by Bangladesh police and armed forces while they’re there”.

“We were promised that the team would be given VVIP security, like the ones usually given to the president or the prime minister of a country”, team manager Shafiqul Haque said.

“It is known to all, the fear is baseless”, Kamal said adding that the Australian cricket team will eventually would visit Bangladesh. “We’ll be endeavouring to get some undertakings and understandings of what the situation is in Bangladesh before making any further decisions in regard to the tour“. A three-day warmup against BCB XI on October 3 had also been scheduled in the tour itinerary.

“They have information that Australian interest is under threat but that is not confined to Bangladesh, it is also in other neighbouring countries”, Hassan told reporters after meeting Carroll.

The players were due to leave Australia today but that has been delayed. “We’re awaiting updated and more detailed assessments and will keep the players informed of any developments”.

Howard said discussions were not at the stage yet where players could choose for themselves whether they travelled to the country for the tour or not.

Earlier, CA had announced that it has postponed the tour of Bangladesh for two-match Test series due to security and safety concerns.