Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday said that it has asked the intelligence agencies to investigate a threat issued to South African cricketer Wayne Parnell by an anonymous caller at the weekend in Dhaka. Parnell reported the threat hours before the first Twenty20 international against Bangladesh on Sunday when received a phone call in his hotel room from a landline.Bangladesh Cricket Board’s security consultant major (retd) Hossain Imam told New Age Parnell was abused and threatened by the caller as he was getting prepared to leave for the stadium.
‘The call was made at around 10:40am just prior to the team boarding on the bus for going to Mirpur Stadium for the first Twenty20,’ he said.
‘Soon after the incident, we informed the matter to the intelligence agencies, including military intelligence DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence).’
‘They have been trying to trace the caller and from where the call was made.’
‘Parnell was apparently told, ‘In the guise of Muslims, you are actually militants. You have come to Bangladesh to conduct militant activities.’
‘Just wait, we will take care of you. Come down to the lobby if you have the guts.’
‘Parnell was terrified having received the call and informed the matter immediately to us.’
Parnell, who converted to Islam in January 2011, later accompanied the team to the ground and played the game, won by South Africa by 52 runs.
He contributed to the win with 1-12 bowling 2.5 overs.
South Africa team admitted the incident.
‘Yes the call was put through to Wayne’s room on the day of the T20 but we thought it was probably a prank or a hoax call, we didn’t think too seriously of it,’ team manager Mohammed Moosajee told reporters.
‘Our main concern was the hotel putting anonymous callers through to the players’ rooms. Wayne followed the necessary security protocol by informing our security officer, who then took it up with the BCB officials.’
‘He (Wayne) didn’t feel threatened at all, he was more concerned about anonymous phone calls being put through to his room.’
-With New Age input
