Ireland accept invitation to participate in U19 World Cup 2016

“Firstly, we are grateful to ICC for extending the invitation to us to participate in the tournament. Given the circumstances of the invitation, however, it was important that we used the brief time we had to investigate the safety and security situation in Bangladesh,” Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland CEO, said in an official release.

“While we are fully aware of the heightened security risk in the country, all we can do is rely upon expert advice, which tells us that the tournament security plan appears very comprehensive an estimation supported by the independent assessments we have seen. Of course, we shall continue to monitor events and maintain regular contact with ICC in case the situation changes.”

Just two months ago in October 2015, the senior Australian side had pulled out of the two-Test tour of Bangladesh for the same reason after their Department of Foreign Affairs felt that there was a credible risk to Australians in Bangladesh.

Deutrom acknowledged the situation but reckoned it was a massive cricketing opportunity for the side.

“While there are never guarantees, Cricket Ireland felt that on balance the mitigation of the risks outweighed the risks themselves, while the cricketing opportunity was too important to turn down in spite of the lack of squad preparation. The squad is greatly looking forward to the challenge. As our men’s and women’s squads discovered during the World T20 2014, Bangladeshi people are incredibly welcoming and passionate about their cricket, so I am certain our U19s will look forward enormously to playing there.”

Ireland will slot into Group D and kick-start their campaign against India in Mirpur on January 28, followed by games against Nepal (in Fatullah on January 30) and New Zealand (in Fatullah on February 1).