Barmy Army decide against organising trip to Bangladesh
Tuesday 13 September 2016 19:05, UK
The Barmy Army have confirmed they will not be organising any official travel for England fans wanting to go on the tour of Bangladesh.
England head to the South Asian nation on September 29 minus one-day captain Eoin Morgan and batsman Alex Hales, who have opted not to put their names up for selection because of security concerns.
They will be the first team to travel to Bangladesh since 20 people were killed in a siege at a cafe in the country's capital Dhaka in July.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed in August the tour would go ahead after a lengthy security review, but the Barmy Army will not be making the trip in an organised group, although they will share their travel advice if asked by individuals wanting to go.
A Barmy Army statement read: "Behind the scenes we have been liaising with the ECB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and have now received advice from the latter.
"We have been supplied with a list of hotels in Dhaka and Chittagong that will receive protection from the Bangladeshi Police and been told that England supporters will be afforded their own segregated area within the stadium.
"However on the issue of escorts to and from stadiums (where due to local traffic conditions supporters will be most vulnerable to attack), we have been supplied with the contact details of a private security company, the implication being that any extra security will have be at supporter's own expense.
"Whilst we are grateful that the BCB are taking an interest, we feel these measures do not yet go far enough to persuade us to go against FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advice.
"It is a matter of great regret that we feel unable to endorse travel to Bangladesh. Those of us lucky enough to have visited this country on previous tours have lasting and fond memories of a warm welcome, friendly locals and wonderful food.
"Perhaps the greatest pleasure being able to mix freely with the general population, particularly in and around the stadiums. We were also able to wander and explore the teeming cities of Dhaka and Chittagong without fear. FCO advice specifically warns against such activities."
