No discussion on players allowed to opt out: Farbrace

In light of the recent bomb blasts in Bangladesh, reports went on to suggest that a few England players might opt out of the tour due to security reasons. However, batting coach Paul Farbrace has gone on to confirm that there was indeed no discussions or talks held about players who wanted to opt out of the Test series. Farbrace also went on to add that ODI and Test squads did not want to discuss this before the officials made their way back with a security report from the country.

“There has been no discussion on players being allowed to opt out,” Paul Farbrace, England’s assistant coach, was quoted as saying on ESPNCricinfo on Friday (August 12). “We had a chat with the Test and ODI squads about 10 to 12 days ago and we agreed we wouldn’t talk about Bangladesh until they [the security team] get back and make a report. Until they get back, there is nothing to talk about.

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Australia had opted out of last year’s tour to Bangladesh citing security issues. Farbrace also would go on to admit that it was indeed a shame that some of these teams would not like to tour these countries due to these reasons. “It would be a huge call to decide not to tour. Teams not going to Pakistan is a dreadful shame. I was on a bus in Lahore and we were lucky to survive that. Player and staff safety are paramount but it’s a huge decision for a country to decide not to go. Bangladesh is looking forward to us going.”

“The safety and security of our players and management are always of paramount importance and this will continue to apply to all teams representing England on overseas tours and attending training camps,” an England spokesman was quoted as saying. “The ECB’s security advisor Reg Dickason and director of cricket operations John Carr are currently completing a pre-tour inspection in Bangladesh. As we have said before, once we have received and evaluated their report, we will discuss it fully with the England players.”

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