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Australian cricket team postpones tour of Bangladesh over security fears

Xinhua, October 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Australia's cricket team has postponed their tour of Bangladesh amid security concerns following an Islamic State terrorist attack that killed an Italian aid worker.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland confirmed that there was no choice but to postpone Australia's two-match tour of Bangladesh following an independent security assessment confirming a risk of terrorism against Australian nationals, local media reported on Friday.

Australia's security agencies approached Cricket Australia last Friday with urgent advice it had identified potential security risks to Australian interests in Bangladesh, delaying the team's scheduled departure on Monday.

On Wednesday Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the killing of 50-year-old Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella who was ambushed and shot by three men while he jogged through the city's diplomatic quarter.

"We had hoped that the security concerns would fade, but unfortunately the advice we have received from government, our own security experts and independent security advisors has clearly indicated that there are now high risks to our people should they make the trip," Sutherland said.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) however was disappointed in Australia's decision and did not agree the country was unsafe to host the tourists.

"On the contrary, the board is of the opinion that Bangladesh at present offers one of the safest environments for holding international sporting events including cricket," the BCB said in a statement.

Bangladesh insisted Australia's cricket players would be given the highest level of security that is usually reserved for visiting heads of state.

Australia's cricketers playing association said the move to postpone the tour was the right call "in difficult circumstance. "

"The circumstances that led to the decision to cancel the tour are bigger than the game of cricket, and it's important to view the issue in this context," Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said.

Australia's football chiefs are also monitoring the situation carefully announcing their own concerns to world football's governing body FIFA about playing their world cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Nov. 17. Endi