An open letter to Cricket Australia

Australian cricket team

Dear Cricket Australia,

Bangladesh has a great history of struggle and victory against adversity and a unique cultural luxuriance. Tourists all around the world have always been attracted by the beauty of this land since the ancient times.

Travellers and scholars who were attracted by the charisma and illustriousness of Bangladesh since time immemorial showered praises about her wealth and bounties, prosperity, craftsmanship and cultural advancement.

The Ladies of imperial Rome were crazy about the Muslin of Bangladesh and various luxury items while the natural beauties of this land have always left the tourists spell bound.

Despite various ups and downs over the years, Bangladesh has been able to maintain her beauty which still attracts the tourists. The glittering sunshine, the tenderness of the breeze, the tranquility of the river, the chirping of the birds and greeneries will take one to the land of dreams.

Surely, Bangladesh is a land of mysterious dream and intrigue. Few countries in the world can match its rich and varied flora and fauna which are not only a unique biological phenomenon are also a great natural resource of the country.

The people of Bangladesh are hospitable and peace-loving while their passion for sports has earned them plenty of accolades throughout the world. Even though the national game is kabaddi, cricket has a special place in the heart and soul of each and every Bangladeshi.

They not only cheer for their own team but encourage the other teams as well. And for which, the teams which have toured here so far, have always enjoyed a friendly environment.

Many Bangladeshi cricket fans are fond of the Australian cricket team. Cricketers like Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Steve Smith, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc have plenty of fan followers here and thus, the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for the two-match Test series against Australia which is about to commence from next month.

But sadly, the dark clouds of security concerns have overshadowed the future of this tour and suddenly, your concern about the security matters of Bangladesh has been very surprising.

Recently, there have been no political unrests in Bangladesh and the current political status of the country is stable. You have raised the concerns about travelling to the Chittagong Hill tracts region which, according to your sources is an unstable area politically.

But thankfully, the political status of that area is also steady. Chittagong is one of the must-visit-places of Bangladesh and the Australian will enjoy a lot while staying there.

We encourage your concern about the safety of your players, but I shall like to state that, Bangladesh always provides the security of supreme quality to the touring teams and last year’s World Twenty20 was the perfect example of that. Despite the existing political unrests, the Bangladesh government and the cricket board rose to the occasion to make the tournament a great success which is a part of Bangladesh cricket’s folklore.

It is expected that you and your team will be highly satisfied with the security arrangement of Bangladesh and Bangladesh will leave no stone unturned regarding the safety issue of the players.

Cricket unites the Bangladeshis. Cricket is the heartbeat of this nation. The last time the Bangladeshis witnessed a Test match between Bangladesh and Australia was way back in 2006. With the passage of time, Bangladesh have developed into a fearless unit and it is expected that the contest will not be dull, but a fascinating one which will only enrich Test cricket.

This tour must not meet a sad end. Bangladesh are ready to welcome Steve Smith and his men cordially. Let cricket be the ultimate winner.

With regards

A cricket fan from Bangladesh