Australia have postponed their tour of Bangladesh

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia’s Test tour of Bangladesh is in doubt after the Baggy Greens delayed their departure due to increased security concerns.

Australia were set to travel to Bangladesh on Monday, but their tour has now been postponed until Cricket Australia receive an update on the security situation.

“We have received advice from DFAT [Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade] and based on that information we are working with security experts and the Bangladesh Cricket Board on a revised security plan for the tour,” Cricket Australia chief executive James 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.

“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 Australian Cricketers’ Association and keeping our players and support staff fully informed.”

While sources at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were surprised by Australia’s decision to delay their arrival, it has been confirmed that Smartraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice website, issued a warning to all Australians travelling to Bangladesh, which said: “There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian interests in Bangladesh.”