English players urged to snub Bangladesh Premier League

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) wants English players to snub the 2016 Bangladesh Premier League over security fears.

PCA chief executive David Leatherdale believes the absence of any details on security measures to be put in place for the tournament means it would be wise for players to stay at home.

Samit Patel, Ravi Bopara, Tymal Mills, Rikki Wessels, Josh Cobb and Richard Gleeson are among the England-qualified players who were in line to join the latest edition of the BPL, which starts in November.

Leatherdale has also taken account of current Foreign and Commonwealth Office information.

England’s Test and one-day international tour of Bangladesh received the go-ahead only after a fact-finding mission by the national team’s security expert Reg Dickason, accompanied by Leatherdale, concluded it should do so, in the aftermath of July’s deadly terror attack on a Dhaka cafe.

Even then, England’s one-day captain Eoin Morgan and opening batsman Alex Hales have opted out of the trip.

“It remains unclear whether a similar level of security will be provided for the Bangladesh Premier League, which will involve a number of teams playing at different venues around the country,” Leatherdale said on Tuesday.

“The political and security landscape in Bangladesh is volatile and needs to be constantly monitored in the lead-up to the event.

“The latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is that there is a heightened risk of further terrorist attacks against westerners – and visitors to the country should remain vigilant, monitor local and social media and follow any specific advice from local security authorities to avoid certain areas.

“In those circumstances the PCA is advising its members not to travel to Bangladesh to play in the BPL.

“However, those who do decide to travel as individuals do so at their own risk – and, as in previous years, will be required to sign a disclaimer to that effect before they receive a No Objection Certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board.”