Bangladesh yesterday breathed a sigh of relief after cricket’s governing body confirmed that the nation would host next year’s Junior World Cup, despite mounting concerns over security.
Australia last month canceled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh citing fears of terrorism, while the South Africa women’s team subsequently shelved a tour, which had been due to begin today, on similar grounds.
The cancelations had raised questions over whether Bangladesh would be allowed to go ahead with hosting the biennial Junior World Cup from Jan. 22 to Feb. 14.
However, after a two-day meeting of its executive board in Dubai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced there would be no change of venue, although plans would be drawn up to ensure security for teams.
“The board confirmed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board will host next year’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup,” the council said in a statement, adding that it was working with the Bangladeshi authorities on “developing an appropriate security plan that addresses all security risks.”
The Bangladesh board said it was happy with the decision and pointed to its successful hosting of the Twenty20 World Cup last year as proof of its ability to stage international tournaments in a secure environment.
“We can assure we’ll do everything it takes to make the Junior World Cup a big success,” board spokesman Jalal Yunus told reporters.
“The government has said it will provide the highest level security at the tournament,” Yunus added.
Safety fears for foreigners have heightened in Muslim-majority Bangladesh after murders of an Italian aid worker and a Japanese farmer, which were claimed by the Islamic State group.
Bangladesh are desperate to avoid the fate of Pakistan, who have had to host nearly all of their home matches at neutral venues since gunmen attacked a Sri Lanka team bus during a 2009 Test match in Lahore.
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