By Daniel Jackson.
The Bangladesh cricket team have had to postpone their tour of Pakistan for at least a month. Since the attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009, no Test playing teams have toured in Pakistan. But despite high profile debate, Bangladesh looked set to end that. However, a recent Bangladesh High Court ruling has denied the opportunity for the team to tour amidst security fears. The Pakistan Cricket Board has responded to the news with disappointment stating that it is a setback for not only Pakistan Cricket fans but for Pakistan Cricket in general.
The decision has reignited the controversies that have surrounded cricket in Pakistan in recent years with regards to security issues and raises further questions about the safety of teams coming to play in the country despite the Pakistan Cricket Boards reassurance over stability and security.
On March 3rd 2009 the Sri Lankan cricket team bus was attacked by gunmen believed to be of outlawed militant groups with links to Al-Qaeda. Six policemen and two civilians were killed whilst six members of the Sri Lankan cricket team were injured. The attacks have left huge concerns over the safety of holding national cricket events in Pakistan and as a result it has been three years without a Test playing team touring in the country.
Bangladesh still intend to play in Pakistan soon but new dates are yet to be officially confirmed.
