Australia's tour: BCB still hopeful

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan today reaffirmed the board’s commitment to safety and security for the visitors.

A press release of the board issued today quoted Nazmul as saying: “We have left no stone unturned in providing assurance regarding security for the Australian team.

“We are still hopeful that a fresh date for arrival of its team will be declared by CA and we will see some exciting cricket on the ground soon. The cricketers, fans and everyone associated with cricket deserve that.”

Saying that risks of untoward occurrences and threats are an unfortunate reality in today’s world, BCB president said, “That is why we have placed utmost importance on preventive methods and actions. We firmly believe that there is no reason for this tour to not go ahead after the extensive effort that has gone into the security arrangements.”

The release also mentioned that BCB is in complete agreement with the government’s assertion that the country is absolutely safe for hosting international cricket.

The BCB expressed disappointment at the apparent attempt by certain quarters to project Bangladesh as an unsafe place.

Mentioning that Bangladesh has hosted elite events like ICC Cricket World Cup and ICC World Twenty20 with full-proof safety and security, the release said international cricket schedule has never been interrupted for any kind of threats in the country.

“Our Government, intelligence agencies and law enforcers have a zero tolerance policy on terrorism of any nature and have proven capability in dealing with such matters.”