Cricket experts show anger over Australia�s pull out decision

Law also expresses his surprise

The country’s cricket fraternity burst out with anger over Cricket Australia’s decision to scrap the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, terming the outcome as ‘disrespectful’ for Bangladesh.
Australia yesterday withdrew the tournament because of concerns over the safety and security of their squad.
Cricket experts and former players of the country demanded employing strict rules over pulling out of any tournament. They said there is no logic over withdrawing the tournament when the other countries and the ICC itself didn’t find any security fears here.
They put the example of BPL-3 where as many as 65 foreign players took part. Those foreign players even certified Bangladesh as safe for cricket.
Australian player Brad Hodge was also scheduled to play for Sylhet Super Stars in BPL-3 but couldn’t come finally due to his Big Bash League commitment.
“It’s ridiculous,” said former skipper Shafiqul Haque Heera. “Didn’t they see that other countries played here without any fear and concern? Didn’t they see that they had no complain after touring here.?”
“It’s extremely bad decision and a blow to Bangladesh cricket which had good reputation to organise any multinational tournament quite successfully. It’s disrespectful for Bangladeshi people who are well reputed for their hospitality.”
Haque however requested ICC to impose a penalty on Australia for scrapping the tournament without any valid reasons.
The ICC has invited Ireland, who were runners-up in the qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur in October, to replace Australia in the tournament. No other team is known to have similar plans. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that they would be going ahead with their tournament preparations as scheduled.
“Included in that is reliable information suggesting there is a high threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh and the knowledge that the Australian government has authorised the dependents of posted diplomatic staff in Bangladesh to return home to Australia. In the end, with all of the information and advice we have received, we feel we had no alternative other than to make this difficult decision,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.
Criticising Australian government’s decision to scrap the tournament, famed organiser Khandokar Jamil Uddin said, it wasn’t quite satisfactory explanation over pulling out the tournament.
“The foreigners are still coming and doing business here. There was no threat on them and they are not targeted even. Yes some incidents had happened but if anyone goes deep in the matter they would find, those were one-off incidents,” Jamil said.
“Shouldn’t they notice how many foreign players took part in BPL? Did they make any complain?” he questioned.
“ICC should set a guideline about when a team could scrap a tournament or tour. ICC should be strong with this regard.”
Stuart Law, a former Australian cricketer and the head coach of Bangladesh Under-19 team however decided to come in the country for his job when Australian team kept them away from touring Bangladesh.
“I will stay until the end of the World Cup,” said Stuart Law.
Law however didn’t come after Australia’s senior team’s tour was scrapped late last year. He explained: “I had personal reasons that I had to see through. There was the threat of security. But along with that and some personal issues I had to make sure that all was okay, I had an illness I had to make sure that I am a hundred percent fit in the work. Now I feel pretty good and that’s why I am back.”
He added: “I feel comfortable in Bangladesh. I love to come here. People are smiling and always happy and very gracious when they greet you. They are not the problem. There are just other members of their society you are not really sure about. When I come to Dhaka its always been very warm welcome and I do feel very comfortable.”
Law however believed Australia would come here at some stage.
“At that time they chose not to come and it’s their decision. But I think they should have still just come and play Bangladesh in Bangladesh so whether that’s in one month, six month or 12 months time as long as they fulfill that. As per the ICC you have to honour each series, so Australia will have to come here at some stage.”

 

Cricket experts show anger over Australia�s pull out decision

Law also expresses his surprise

The countrys cricket fraternity burst out with anger over Cricket Australias decision to scrap the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, terming the outcome as disrespectful for Bangladesh. Australia yesterday withdrew the tournament because of concerns over the safety and security of their squad. Cricket experts and former players of the country demanded employing strict rules over pulling out of any tournament. They said there is no logic over withdrawing the tournament when the other countries and the ICC itself didnt find any security fears here. They put the example of BPL-3 where as many as 65 foreign players took part. Those foreign players even certified Bangladesh as safe for cricket. Australian player Brad Hodge was also scheduled to play for Sylhet Super Stars in BPL-3 but couldnt come finally due to his Big Bash League commitment. Its ridiculous, said former skipper Shafiqul Haque Heera. Didnt they see that other countries played here without any fear and concern? Didnt they see that they had no complain after touring here.? Its extremely bad decision and a blow to Bangladesh cricket which had good reputation to organise any multinational tournament quite successfully. Its disrespectful for Bangladeshi people who are well reputed for their hospitality. Haque however requested ICC to impose a penalty on Australia for scrapping the tournament without any valid reasons. The ICC has invited Ireland, who were runners-up in the qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur in October, to replace Australia in the tournament. No other team is known to have similar plans. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that they would be going ahead with their tournament preparations as scheduled. Included in that is reliable information suggesting there is a high threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh and the knowledge that the Australian government has authorised the dependents of posted diplomatic staff in Bangladesh to return home to Australia. In the end, with all of the information and advice we have received, we feel we had no alternative other than to make this difficult decision, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said. Criticising Australian governments decision to scrap the tournament, famed organiser Khandokar Jamil Uddin said, it wasnt quite satisfactory explanation over pulling out the tournament. The foreigners are still coming and doing business here. There was no threat on them and they are not targeted even. Yes some incidents had happened but if anyone goes deep in the matter they would find, those were one-off incidents, Jamil said. Shouldnt they notice how many foreign players took part in BPL? Did they make any complain? he questioned. ICC should set a guideline about when a team could scrap a tournament or tour. ICC should be strong with this regard. Stuart Law, a former Australian cricketer and the head coach of Bangladesh Under-19 team however decided to come in the country for his job when Australian team kept them away from touring Bangladesh. I will stay until the end of the World Cup, said Stuart Law. Law however didnt come after Australias senior teams tour was scrapped late last year. He explained: I had personal reasons that I had to see through. There was the threat of security. But along with that and some personal issues I had to make sure that all was okay, I had an illness I had to make sure that I am a hundred percent fit in the work. Now I feel pretty good and thats why I am back. He added: I feel comfortable in Bangladesh. I love to come here. People are smiling and always happy and very gracious when they greet you. They are not the problem. There are just other members of their society you are not really sure about. When I come to Dhaka its always been very warm welcome and I do feel very comfortable. Law however believed Australia would come here at some stage. At that time they chose not to come and its their decision. But I think they should have still just come and play Bangladesh in Bangladesh so whether thats in one month, six month or 12 months time as long as they fulfill that. As per the ICC you have to honour each series, so Australia will have to come here at some stage.