Barmy Army boycott Bangladesh tour

Jannatul PiealCorrespondent
Posted - 2016-09-16T01:34:30+06:00
Updated - 2016-09-16T01:34:30+06:00
The Barmy Army, which is renowned for arranging touring parties for English fans, have stated that they will not travel to
due to security concerns.
The Barmy Army, known as the 'unofficial 12th man' of English cricket, previously organised tours to Bangladesh in 2003, 2010 and for the 50-over World Cup held in the subcontinent in 2011. But this time around, come October, the Three Lions will be without them during the three One Day Internationals and two Tests against the Tigers. The development came two days after
ODI captain Eoin Morgan and opening batsman Alex Hales said they would not be travelling to Bangladesh either, despite the ECB saying the tour would go ahead, following an assessment of the security measures in place. A Barmy Army statement released on the popular social networking platform Twitter read: "Behind the scenes we have been liaising with the ECB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and have now received advice from the latter. "We have been supplied with a list of hotels in Dhaka and Chittagong that will receive protection from the Bangladeshi Police and been told that England supporters will be afforded their own segregated area within the stadium. "However on the issue of escorts to and from stadiums (where due to local traffic conditions supporters will be most vulnerable to attack), we have been supplied with the contact details of a private security company, the implication being that any extra security will have be at supporter's own expense. "Whilst we are grateful that the BCB are taking an interest, we feel these measures do not yet go far enough to persuade us to go against FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advice. "It is a matter of great regret that we feel unable to endorse travel to Bangladesh. Those of us lucky enough to have visited this country on previous tours have lasting and fond memories of a warm welcome, friendly locals and wonderful food. "Perhaps the greatest pleasure being able to mix freely with the general population, particularly in and around the stadiums. We were also able to wander and explore the teeming cities of Dhaka and Chittagong without fear. FCO advice specifically warns against such activities."
- Jannatul Naym Pieal, Correspondent, bdcricteam.com