The Bangladesh cricket board has finally realized that it will be an extremely difficult challenge for England’s tour to go ahead later this year following the shocking terrorist attack in Dhaka which saw 20 people killed.
Sheikh Sohail, a director of the BCB, even fears that now Bangladesh could follow Pakistan into international exile after the atrocity in an upmarket suburb café of the capital where particularly the foreigners were targeted. The café is close to the five-star hotel used by touring teams.
“If England opts not to come then we won’t have anything to say,” Sohail told dhakatimes24.
“Never before have we witnessed something like this in our country. If these things continue to happen we will become abandoned by other cricket-playing nations.”
The ECB quickly reacted to the terrorist attack by claiming they were ready to abandon the tour in October if they continue to have any kind of security concern for the safety of the England players. However, a spokesman yesterday said that no talks have yet been held with the BCB.
An arrangement to switch the matches elsewhere is another potential course of action.
BCB director Sheikh Sohail has also conceded his national governing body cannot, in these circumstances, reasonably object if England decides to stay away.
“I agree that the situation of our country is now more critical than before,” he said following the attack, for which terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility.
Australia have previously cancelled both a bilateral tour of Bangladesh and pulled their Under-19 team out of the World Cup there for security reasons.
“Back then, we had our points to defend ourselves,” added Sohail.
“But after what happened on Friday if England opts not to come, we won’t have anything to say. I hope England won’t take any such decision.
We have to wait and see what they have to say. We still have plenty of time on our hands, so let’s hope for the best.”
England’s security adviser, Reg Dickason, is expected to visit Bangladesh this month and his report will decide if the tour in October-November goes ahead.
England are due to play a Test and two one-day internationals in Dhaka.
The England and Wales Cricket Board will take soundings from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before making a decision over the tour and also speak to the players. So far, there have been no discussions over shifting the tour to another country.