Mashrafe ‘hopeful’ of England touring BD

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has said he is “hopeful” England will tour the country for the entire series in October. Bangladesh’s 30-man preliminary squad for the England series began training on Wednesday with a focus on fitness. England are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on September 30 for two Tests and three One-day Internationals (ODIs).

“I personally hope that the tour goes ahead,” Mashrafe said. “Cricket followers in Bangladesh have been waiting for a long time for a home series. Bangladeshi people love cricket, and they hope that England are coming for the tour. I am hopeful they (England) will come to hold on to the cricket culture. “England have always helped Bangladesh. They had sent the team in the Under-19 World Cup. They will certainly get security, as much as what other cricket teams get when they come here. Bangladeshi people respect cricketers. I don’t think there will be a problem.”

The England Cricket Board (ECB) had said it will follow government advice on whether the tour should go ahead as planned following the terror attack on July 1. Gunmen had stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe in the Gulshan district of Dhaka before security forces brought the hostage situation to an end. England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan had also expressed “big concern” over the tour.