From Caribbean 360

The WICB said the decision to withdraw the team is in the best interest of the safety and security of the players and officials.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, Monday December 9, 2013, CMC – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has withdrawn the Under-19 team from its tour of Bangladesh.

The WICB said the decision to withdraw the team is in the best interest of the safety and security of the players and officials.

“The WICB’s decision was taken following consideration of a report on the situation in Bangladesh as prepared by WICB Security Manager Paul Slowe. The report emphasised that the current security environment in Bangladesh is not conducive to the playing of cricket in light of the 72 hours nationwide blockade and calls for countrywide dawn to dusk protest. The State Department of the United States of America has also issued a travel alert to its citizens living in and travelling to Bangladesh,” according to the WICB statement.

Travel arrangements are being made to allow for the team’s return to the Caribbean as quickly as possible.

The team will remain safely accommodated at the team hotel under adequate security protection until departure from Bangladesh.

An explosion had occurred a short distance away from the team hotel in Chittagong on Saturday evening.

The players and members of team management were not targeted and were not in immediate danger as a result of the incident.

“The WICB wishes to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their hosting of the team and the security arrangements provided to the team while in Bangladesh. The WICB has contacted the parents and guardians of the players to advise them of the latest developments.”

West Indies Under-19 played one of the seven scheduled Youth One Day International (ODI) matches, losing to Bangladesh U-19 by 104 runs.