BCB disappointed with lack of security in New Zealand

Following the shooting in Christchurch, the Bangladesh squad returned home early © Getty

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury expressed his disappointment about the lack of security measures following the shooting incident outside the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch. The brutal use of firearms at two different mosques in Christchurch, in which at least 49 people were killed and many injured, led to the cancellation of the third Test, with the Bangladesh players narrowly escaping the shooting incident.

"It is really unfortunate that we have not seen any visible security arrangements [during the tour]. Even we knew nothing about their security system," Nizamuddin told reporters at the BCB premises on Saturday (March 16). "When we sign the MOU it is expected that they will ensure national-level security."

"When a team comes to visit Bangladesh, our law-enforcement agencies assess the security and make the plans accordingly. At the same time, if the visiting team needs something special, they contact their high-commission and take necessary steps. This is the standard practice. In most of the cases, we do it when the teams like Australia, England or New Zealand visit us.

"Things are different for the subcontinental teams if there are no special circumstances. When a team goes abroad the responsibility of security is on the organising Cricket Board. It is their duty to ensure that all other things are in the right place," Chowdhury added.

The BCB chief executive mentioned that he will talk to his NZC counterpart regarding the future of the series once the situation gets better in New Zealand. "They are shocked after the incident as we are. They were puzzled. They have never faced this sort of situation. They did not even think about it.

"It was our priority to bring our team back home safely. We will discuss other things later [whether this series is called off or it will be played at some other point of time]," Chowdhury said.

"We will make a minimum security standard in the future, and we will make any tour after ensuring that standard. Such things need to be perfect," he said