ZCZC
BSP-11
CRICKET-BD-AUS-POSTPONED
Bangladesh postpones Australia Test series due to COVID-19
DHAKA, April 9, 2020 (BSS) – Australia’s scheduled two-match Test series in Bangladesh
in next June was finally postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
around the world.
Australia was due to play the Tests in Chattogram and Dhaka between 11 and 23 June.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have jointly decided to
postpone the two-match Test series as the situation worsened day by day following the
outbreak of the coronavirus that World Health Organization (WHO) announced as pandemic.
The BCB and CA will now work together to find a future window for rescheduling the
series which is a part of the ICC World Test Championship, said a BCB statement.
BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said: “This is understandably disappointing for players
and fans of both sides. However, in the current global scenario of the COVID-19 outbreak
and considering the nature of the health emergency, the BCB and CA are in agreement that
this is the most sensible and practical decision. We hope that the situation will improve
soon and we are able to hold this series at a convenient time in the near future. To that
end, the BCB will continue to work closely with CA with whom we share a history of
support and cooperation.”
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said: “Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I
would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible
discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position. The health of our people and
communities is the number one priority for both Boards and that is reflected in the
action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches. As we know, the global cricket
calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to
Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date.
A total of 1,485,981 people were affected by the deadly virus in the world, amongst
which 88,567 died as of Thursday.
Bangladesh so far reported a 330 cases and the death toll rose to 21 till now.
The sports activities around the world however remained suspended due to the pandemic.
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