PCB scraps Under-19 Bangladesh tour over security

The PCB has scrapped an Under-19 tour of Bangladesh, scheduled for October, on security grounds.

In March, the Bangladesh board halted all tours by foreign teams, including a scheduled visit by the Pakistan team, as it could not guarantee them adequate security in the aftermath of a mutiny by Bangladesh army personnel. More than 70 people died in the violence.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, has expressed disappointment over Pakistan's decision and called it "unfortunate".

"I have not been officially informed about their position but if they have taken such a decision, then it is very unfortunate," Mohammad Jalal Yunus, BCB's media committee chairman and board member, told Cricinfo. "They seem to have a misconception about the current situation in Bangladesh, which is very safe. We had an academy side from Sri Lanka touring here last month and a team from Maharashtra (India) touring for three weeks. Those tours went along smoothly and they were very happy with the security arrangements."

Yunus said that the BCB is preparing to host more international cricket down the year, including hosting Zimbabwe and a proposed ODI tri-series also involving India and Sri Lanka. "I hope Pakistan will review their decision after obtaining better information about the situation here," he said.