Australia snub 'unfortunate'
Former Australian national cricketer Stuart Law, who is currently in town as Bangladesh Under-19s technical advisor, has termed Cricket Australia's decision to not send its team to Bangladesh to take part in the Under-19 World Cup as unfortunate.
Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) National Cricket Academy he said: “It's unfortunate. The young Australian team has missed a chance of playing at the world stage.”
Furthermore, Law also believed that the security threat in Bangladesh had 'died down' in the last few months.
The Australian returned to Bangladesh on Monday to join the under-19 team after a short gap. He had initially worked with the team in August last year. Speaking to reporters, Law admitted that security concern was one of the issues that compelled him to delay his return here.
“I will stay with the team until the end of the World Cup. I couldn't come earlier because of personal reasons. There was also the threat of security, but along with that I had a few personal issues which I had to work on. I had an illness and I had to make sure that I was a hundred per cent fit,” said Law.
When asked about his opinion with regards to the security scenario in the country, the Australian said: “You talk about it all around the world. You never know, the threat could pop up anywhere, in any country. But when you get information from an intelligence organisation, you probably should sit down and go through the process.
“But the threat seems to have died down somewhat. It's still there, but it's going to be there throughout the world, no matter where you go, New York or London; Dhaka's no different really. Anything could happen anywhere.”
“I feel really comfortable in Bangladesh and I love coming here. People are always smiling, happy and gracious when they greet you. They are not the problem. There are just other members of the society you are not really sure about," he added.
“There's always that [threat] in the back of your mind, but not in the forefront. I am here to watch our boys play cricket, hopefully we will have some success along the way.”
Law also believed that Australia would tour Bangladesh soon.
“It's in the tour programme and I think Australia will honour that. At that time they chose not to come and it's their decision.
“But I think they should still come and play Bangladesh in Bangladesh... so whether that's in one month, six month or 12 months time as long as they fulfil that... as per the ICC you have to honour each series, so Australia will have to come here at some stage,” said Law.
Law's first assignment upon his return will be the Bangladesh Under-19's three-match series against the West Indies which begins later this month. While the Australian did admit that the junior Tigers haven't been as consistent recently, he reckons they can come back on track.
“Let's not put pressure on these young men, since cricket has pressure as it is. I am looking forward to the West Indies series,” said Law.
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