Australia delays trip to Bangladesh over security concerns

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia says it has delayed the departure of its Test team for a two-match tour of Bangladesh due to concerns about the safety and security of the team.

Chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement late Saturday that recent advice from a range of Australian government sources had identified a potential security risk to Australian interests in Bangladesh.

The team was due to depart Sydney on Monday morning but will now wait for further security advice before confirming its travel arrangements for the tour.

“We have received advice from DFAT (Australia's 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,” 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 No. 1 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 keeping our players and support staff fully informed.”

In updated general travel advice for Bangladesh, Australia's foreign affairs department has warned of possible attacks.

“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the uncertain political and security situation,” the warning said.

“Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about possible security risks. There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian interests in Bangladesh.

“Australian officials in Bangladesh have been advised to limit their movements in public places.”

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

A three-day tour match was scheduled to begin next Saturday in Fatullah, a match that could now be in doubt due to the Australian team's delayed departure.

How will cricket become an international sports in the real sense? Take a step back and observe. Three teams are allowed to dictate terms. So much so, that they travel to a country on their own wish. Else they give security reasons and do not travel. Such a sorry state.


I wonder how does Australia travel to India for playing cricket? Bomb blasts do happen in India as well. There are radicals in India as well. Let me go ahead and say that probably the security threat in Bangladesh is lesser than in India.

Couple of Australians killed including International visitor in Victoria alone in last 7 days. Every day someone gets killed in Oz., but tours never get cancelled and international events still go on. Have you ever wondered why?

Hmmm discussion getting political.

I don't know whether the "threat" is greater in Bangladesh than in India.

The issue for the Australians would be the huge backlash that would occur if anything happened while on tour not to mention the legal liabilities as a result of the many lawsuits that would follow.

Given the latest instructions by the UK and US embassies to restrict their diplomats’ movements and having warned visitors to stay on high alert after receiving information that militants may be targeting Westerners, especially Australians, I think it is better to be safe than sorry in this case. Player safety has to come first and I don't think you can be too careful in these types of situations. As you point out, the backlash and legal ramifications would be huge.

Always having 'security concerns' with the Asian nations but will not think twice to go and tour some of the murder capitals of the world such as Jamaica and Trinidad &Tobago.

Both the UK and US embassies are strongly advising against any travel to and from Bangladesh unless it is absolutely necessary. ISIL have claimed responsibility for the killing of an Italian citizen in Dhaka. If you were an Australian player, would you feel comfortable playing in Bangladesh given these attacks and the intelligence that militants are targeting Westerners? Surely it is better to be safe than sorry. What happens if the Australian team were attacked? You can forget about Bangladesh ever staging another home match again should that happen. I think this is the right move and in the best interests of both parties.