Bangladesh-Ireland series postponed

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Cricket Ireland (CI) have agreed to postpone the upcoming series between the two sides due to the coronavirus pandemic, the CI announced in a press release today. Bangladesh were scheduled to play three one-day internationals and four T20Is in Belfast and England respectively during the series from May 14 to 29.

"Once the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic was understood, and the advice of both Governments and partner boards was sought, it became increasingly unlikely that this series could proceed as scheduled. We have a responsibility to protect the wellbeing of players, coaches, fans and the wider community, and will not hesitate to take a safety-first approach to our operations over coming months."

"We will continue monitoring the situation, and will liaise as necessary with relevant sports bodies, public health agencies and our stakeholders here and abroad, and provide further updates on the home season in due course.

"We would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their helpful cooperation in reaching this decision, and we shall work with them at establishing new dates for the series when we are all in a position to plan for the future with greater certainty," Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland was quoted as saying in the press release.

Ireland were scheduled to arrange their four-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting from May 22 to May 29, at a neutral venue in England. This would have been the first time that Ireland would arrange a series at a neutral venue.

However, earlier today, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that they were waiting for a prompt response regarding the series from Cricket Ireland.

"Ireland Cricket Board will take any decision regarding this as they are the host. Already we are in touch with them. As England has taken a step regarding this, may be Ireland will be clearing their stance to us very soon," informed Nizamuddin.