There is high chance of rain during the practice match. Photo: Collected
Cricket Ireland is refusing to allow Bangladesh journalists into the ground for Friday’s practice match between Ireland Wolves and Bangladesh at Cambridge. A few Bangladesh journalists have traveled to England to cover the ODI series against Ireland.
The main reason given for the ban by Cricket Ireland is related to cost savings. A Cricket Ireland representative stated that “Safety, security, cost, no (press box) facilities and (the) agreement with the venue” were all factors behind not allowing journalists to cover the match.
A similar ban was in place during Thursday’s Bangladesh team practice session at The Leys School, Cambridge. Two members of the Bangladesh media and a UK based journalist who attended the session were initially told to leave. They were given permission to stay only after a discussion between an English Cricket Board representative and Nafees Iqbal, Bangladesh Team Manager.
One of the journalists said “I was surprised and rather shocked by the way I was treated by Cricket Ireland staff. There was little or no attempt to provide an explanation about why I had to leave. I felt quite humiliated.”
The cash-strapped Ireland cricket board decided to move the ODI series against Bangladesh, from Ireland to England, due to weather concerns and because it was more cost effective.
Ireland recently concluded a month long tour of Bangladesh when the highest level of hospitality and facilities were granted to the Irish team and accompanying media.
