Australia’s tour of Bangladesh postponed

The Bangladesh and Australia cricket boards have jointly decided to postpone Australia's two-Test tour of Bangladesh in June this year. The BCB and CA will now work together to find a future window for rescheduling the series which is part of the ICC World Test Championship.

"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," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury was quoted as saying in a BCB press release.

"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."      

Bangladesh team's tour of Pakistan and Ireland have already been put on hold following the coronavirus outbreak. Australia were to visit Bangladesh in the first week of June this year to play two Tests on June 11 and June 23 in Chattogram and Dhaka respectively.

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said that it was regrettable that the series had to be postponed.

"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," he said.

The last time Australia visited Bangladesh, they played the hosts in a two-match Test series which ended 1-1 back in 2017.