WI U-19 withdrawn from Bangladesh series

This December 6 photo shows Bangladesh batsman Saeed Sarkar hitting another boundary on his way to 83 as Bangladesh U-19 beat West Indies U-19 in the 1st youth ODI by 104 runs at Chittagong. The second ODI between the teams was deferred today amid security concerns. Photo: BCB

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has withdrawn its under-19 cricket team from one day international series in Bangladesh due to security concerns.

The decision came after explosion of a crude bomb near Hotel Agrabad in Chittagong city, where the West Indies team was staying, Saturday evening.

"The WICB's decision was taken following consideration of a report on the situation in Bangladesh as prepared by WICB security manager Paul Slowe," a press statement of the board reads.

"The report emphasised that the current security environment in Bangladesh is not conducive to the playing of cricket in light of the 72 hours nationwide blockade and calls for countrywide dawn-to-dusk protest,” it further said.

West Indies played one match in the series, in which they lost to Bangladesh U-19 team by 104 runs.

The second ODI was scheduled to be played yesterday at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, which was deferred to today as the visiting team refused to take field.

On Sunday, after Bangladesh Cricket Board assured of "reinforced" security for the teams, WICB said its team was "not targeted and was not in any immediate danger", but it was working with the Bangladesh board, contacting the players' parents, and would provide an update on the situation if necessary.

The withdrawal came as a major setback for Bangladesh as it is scheduled to host the 2014 World Twenty20s in March.

The political situation in Bangladesh has been volatile in recent times, with the political parties of the country embroiled in a violent face off regarding the polls-time government for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

In the recent spate of political violence in the country, at least 40 people have died with numerous others including children injured.