“I will definitely not be travelling to that part of the world to play”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Bermuda batsman Lionel Cann has refused to travel to Uganda for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division Three tournament next month due to security concerns.

Cann started becoming increasingly concerned after hearing that a terrorist plot had been foiled in Kampala on September 13.

“I have already told the Bermuda Cricket Board that I will not be travelling if the tournament remains in Uganda,” Cann was quoted as saying in the Royal Gazette. “It’s great to play for my country and I think it’s the biggest honour ever, and something I will never turn down. But, in these circumstances, there is no way that I can go to that country.”

A United States Embassy spokesperson revealed that the plot was organised by al-Shabaab, who are a terrorist organisation based in Somalia.

In addition to that, an Associated Press report revealed that 19 people have been arrested over the weekend in connection with the foiled plot.

A police spokesperson stated that the suspects’ intentions “were very, very clear” and that security officials are still on high alert since an attack could occur at any time.

“To see that terrorists have been arrested in the same city where we are going to be playing, obviously that is a major concern to me,” Cann said. “Being a family guy and having children, I will definitely not be travelling to that part of the world to play.”