Players disappointed over scrapped tour

Australia

Australia captain Steve Smith and the Australian Cricketers' Association have expressed sadness over the indefinite postponement of the tour this month, but contend that safety comes first.

The tour was effectively cancelled on Thursday after a week of talks between the cricket boards and the governments, after a 'credible' threat was made against 'Australian interests' in Bangladesh.

As such, the two-Test tour, which was to be Smith's first as permanent captain, was called off despite the BCB's assurances that all manner of protection would be provided. Cricket Australia went for safety first.

Smith said of the decision: "Obviously the safety and security of the players is the biggest concern.

"Cricket Australia has worked really closely with DFAT and ASIO over the last week or so and have come to the conclusion that it's not safe enough for us to travel at this time."

Australia's players' association, the ACA, agreed, with chief Alastair Nicholson adding: "The decision by Cricket Australia (CA) to postpone the tour is the correct one in these difficult circumstances, particularly from a player safety and welfare point of view.

"From the players’ point of view, they fully support the decision that’s been made, however, they were looking forward to facing off against a challenging Bangladesh side playing on their home turf.

"The circumstances that led to the decision to postpone the tour are bigger than the game of cricket, and it’s important to view the issue in this context.

"Where there are elements that are beyond our control – as there are in this case – the importance of player safety is brought sharply into focus, and this is absolutely paramount."

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