Australia had opted out of their tour of Bangladesh last year due to security concerns, but the English board made clear that no such decision was arrived upon and the relevant security visits to assess security and conditions has not yet begun, and a decision would only be made post their assessment. Moreover, the players have not been approached with regards to the same.
"There has been no discussion on players being allowed to opt out," Paul Farbrace, England's assistant coach, was quoted as saying on ESPNCricinfo on Friday (August 12). "We had a chat with the Test and ODI squads about 10 to 12 days ago and we agreed we wouldn't talk about Bangladesh until they [the security team] get back and make a report. Until they get back, there is nothing to talk about.
"It would be a huge call to decide not to tour. Teams not going to Pakistan is a dreadful shame. I was on bus in Lahore and we were lucky to survive that. Player and staff safety is paramount but it's a huge decision for a country to decide not to go. Bangladesh are looking forward to us going."
Reg Dickason, ECB's security advisor, David Leatherdale, the PCA chief executive, and John Carr, the ECB director of cricket operations are currently inspecting venues in India for their tour later in the year, following which, they will visit Bangladesh for the same.
"The safety and security of our players and management is always of paramount importance and this will continue to apply to all teams representing England on overseas tours and attending training camps," an England spokesman was quoted as saying. "The ECB's security advisor Reg Dickason and director of cricket operations John Carr are currently completing a pre-tour inspection in Bangladesh. As we have said before, once we have received and evaluated their report, we will discuss it fully with the England players."
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