Cricket Australia has released its Test players as captain Steve Smith and his teammates have returned to training with their state colleagues and are now expected to feature in the Matador Cup, the domestic one-day competition, starting Monday.
The Aussie cricketers were blocked from departing for Bangladesh on Monday by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, citing information about militants plotting to target Australian interests.
The scenario worsened after an Italian citizen, Cesare Tavella, was shot dead at the Gulshan diplomatic area in Dhaka on Monday.
Although Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hassan termed it an “isolated” incident and assured the Aussies VVIP security protocol during their stay, it was not enough to convince the five-time world champions.
“We are still waiting for their decision. We have made the best possible efforts to entertain their security concerns. Now the ball is in their court. For now I can say at least the three-day tour game [starting October 3] will not take place according to the schedule,” said BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury yesterday.
The release of Australian players prompted BCB to direct the national cricketers to join their respective National Cricket League sides for the second round of the 17th edition of the first-class competition that resumes Saturday.