Bangladesh announce squad despite cloud over Australia series going ahead owing to security fears

Bangladesh have announced their squad for the upcoming first Test against Australia, which is scheduled to start on 9 October. The hosts have gone ahead with the same squad which drew against the mighty South Africa in July-August.

Mushfiqur Rahim will lead Bangladesh, while Tamim Iqbal will be his deputy for the series, which has come under a seriously dark cloud. Australia have already delayed their departure for Bangladesh due to security concerns. Day by day, the fear of the series being cancelled is gaining prominence.

It will be a huge setback for cricket fans in Bangladeshm as they might have been gearing to witness Australia, who are one of the best teams in the world, on their home soil. After their impressive showings against India and South Africa, Bangladesh would have loved to challenge Australia as well and justify their billing as a major growing power in the sub-continent.

However, as of now, the million dollar question remains – will the series go ahead?

But, with latest reports emerging that the militants may be preparing an attack on 'Australian interests' in Bangladesh, the series could well be called off. A travel warning from Australia's government stated: "There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian interests in Bangladesh."

Though the Bangladesh Cricket Board are confident of the series going ahead, they have received another setback as the UK government also warned its citizens about the threat in Bangladesh.

"Militants may be targeting western interests in Bangladesh in late September; UK officials have been advised to limit attendance at events where westerners may gather," a statement said.

The BCB, who were expecting Australia team manager Gavin Dovey and security manager Frank Dimasi to stay in Bangladesh and receive the team, will be aware of the herculean task to assure the Australian team of their safety.

"Following yesterday's meetings, our head of security, team manager and team security manager are on their way home from Bangladesh for further meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and to brief our board, management and players on the situation," said CA spokesman.

Bangladesh squad for the first Test: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vice-capt), Imrul Kayes, Jubair Hossain, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Mohammad Shahid, Mominul Haque, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taijul Islam.