Australia cancelled their Test tour of Bangladesh in 2015 due to a security threat © STR/AFP
Cricket Australia’s head of security Sean Carroll has arrived in Dhaka to observe the security measures in place for England’s ongoing tour of the country. Australia are due to arrive in Bangladesh in August 2017 to fulfil the two-Test tour of 2015 that was postponed due to security concerns.
Nizamuddin Chowdhury, the BCB chief, said Carroll’s visit was “encouraging”.
Carroll travelled with the England team’s convoy from their hotel to the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur to sample the security arrangements. It is understood that he will further examine the security during the second Bangladesh-England Test starting on Friday.
The move is seen as a positive consequence of England’s willingness to tour after being given security assurances by the Bangladesh government following concerns because of the July 1 terrorist attack in Dhaka.
“We are aware of Sean Carroll’s arrival,” Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo. “He came today and travelled with the England convoy to take a practical look at the security arrangements. He will be here for a few days. During the England tour, the Australia high commission has also kept in touch with us about the security arrangements.
“It is certainly an encouraging sign, as it shows that they are keen to have a look at our security arrangements and are positive about coming in August next year.”
Australia deferred the tour of Bangladesh last year following a government advisory. Cricket Australia did not send their team for this year’s U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh either. Although chief executive James Sutherland had said in April that they were keen to fulfil their commitments in 2017, the terror attacks in Dhaka on July 1 put question marks on the tour.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo