Aus resolution brings relief

The pay dispute was an internal issue of Australia cricket. Still, it has been followed with immense interest by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, players and fans for more than a month. Since the Tigers' fitness camp started on July 10, everyone has been eagerly awaiting for confirmation that Australia will tour as scheduled.

There was anxiety among players and officials, although they always expressed their confidence in a resolution before the Test series that was originally scheduled in 2015 but cancelled on security grounds. Yesterday there was widespread relief as CA (Cricket Australia) and ACA (Australian Cricketers' Association) agreed terms to finally end the  player pay dispute, thus ensuring that Australia will arrive in Bangladesh on August 18 to play two Tests against the Tigers. From the BCB officials to players, everybody was excited with the news. Some of their  reactions are presented below:

NIZAMUDDIN CHOWDHURY, CEO

“Of course it's great news for Bangladesh cricket. We wanted the dispute to be resolved and it's not only good for Australian cricket but also for world cricket. Since Australia's next FTP (Future Tour Programme) was against Bangladesh, we are very happy and we are ready to welcome the Australian cricket team.”

MUSHFIQUR RAHIM

“That's very positive news for world cricket and also for Bangladesh. Being the captain of the Bangladesh Test side, it's a great opportunity for us to play against a top side like Australia and I am happy that they sorted out all the issues and are finally coming. Personally, I have never played a Test against Australia so from that perspective I am looking forward to the series and I think it will be a challenging task for us”.

TAMIM IQBAL

“Obviously it's very good news for all of us as this series is going to take place finally and we all were hopeful for this series. It's always a big challenge playing against Australia. Almost all the players in our team are going to play a Test against Australia for the first time. It is also pleasing that the series is finally going to take place since we have been preparing ourselves for this series.”

SHAKIB AL HASAN

“Very good because none of us from our current team has the experience of playing a Test against Australia, so it will be a new experience for all of us and everyone is excited I am sure.”

MAHMUDULLAH RIYAD

“It's very good news as there have been some confusion in the past few days about whether they would come or not. But finally they are coming to play in Bangladesh; that's a very good news for cricket and also for us. I haven't played a Test against Australia and I guess most of us also did not play against them, so it's going to be a big challenge and we are looking forward to it.”