Tight security promised for upcoming events
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has promised tight security for the international sides visiting the country for upcoming events in the wake of growing security concerns triggered by recent political unrest. The BCB has revised the security plan and sent it to the concerned stakeholders, including the Asian Cricket Council and the International Cricket Council, who will hold two important events early next year.
The BCB also assured Sri Lanka of statesman-like security for the players during their upcoming tour, with two Tests, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals scheduled from January 27 to February 22.
Though Sri Lanka have yet to issue any strong statements over security concerns, it is expected that they are closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. The islanders are currently involved in a one-day series against Pakistan, the country which remains most vocal about the unrest in Bangladesh.
The PCB had initially promised that they would not unilaterally pull their team out from the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20, which start in Dhaka on February 24 and March 16 respectively. However, it seems the country has changed its position on the issue.
Amid growing anti-Pakistan sentiment in Bangladesh following the execution of war crimes convict Abdul Quader Mollah, the PCB said it might reconsider sending the team to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.
The BCB expects little co-operation from the PCB in this regard, having strained their relationship previously by backing out from a written commitment to tour Pakistan, which has also been heavily hit by violence and militant attacks.
Officials said the fate of the Asia Cup could be decided on January 4, when the ACC members meet in the UAE on the sidelines of the Under-19 Asia Cup.
The BCB is concerned about the meeting as the ACC decision could easily influence the ICC and Sri Lanka.
The ICC will also hold an important meeting on January 8 and 9, and chances are high that the ICC World Twenty20 will dominate the agenda.
Quoting unnamed sources, an Indian website on Tuesday reported that the ICC has kept Kolkata and Ranchi as stand-by venues for the World Twenty20, though the report lacked substance and clarity.
Speculation surrounding the competitions has left BCB officials nervous, as there is little sign of the political situation improving.
Some BCB officials said they will meet the political leadership soon to save the tournaments, though they are skeptical about the success of the impending move, said insiders.
In light of the situation, the best idea is to convince the visiting sides that the security plans will be adequate for whatever political situation arises.
‘We had assured [Sri Lanka Cricket] that we will provide highest form of security, which will also be followed in the World Twenty20,’ BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury said on Tuesday.
‘The security arrangements will be made according to the demands.’
‘The security agency takes decisions after risk assessment. We assured the visiting side that we would be providing security of the highest order after receiving the commitment from the government,’ he said.
‘We are always in touch with the ICC regarding security. Our security department is working on the security plan and hopefully we will receive a fruitful joint effort soon,’ he added.
-With New Age input
