Ireland to replace Australia at U19 World Cup in Bangladesh
Monday 25 January 2016 07:23, UK
Ireland will take Australia's place at the U19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh later this month despite concerns over security.
Australia pulled out of the tournament on Tuesday due to safety concerns in Bangladesh; the Australian senior side also cancelled a Test tour of Bangladesh in October.
Ireland's U19 team were the next in line to play at the World Cup after finishing runners-up in last year's qualification.
Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said: "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.
"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 tournament will take place from January 27 until February 14 and will feature 16 teams playing across seven different venues.
Ireland replace Australia in Group D where they will face India, Nepal and New Zealand.
