Sport - Cricket

South Africa to go ahead with Bangladesh tour

CAPE TOWN April 1. South Africa will tour Bangladesh later this month after receiving assurances over the team's security in the country, a South African cricket official said on Tuesday.

The U.S.-led war in Iraq prompted speculation that the tour might be cancelled, but United Cricket Board of South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said on Tuesday he was happy the South Africans would not be at risk in Bangladesh.

``The South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs has written to us that, in light of the on-going war in Iraq, the tour to Bangladesh may be favourably considered if the relevant authorities there provide the team with the necessary and adequate security control measures,'' Majola said in a statement.

``We have received an assurance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and their government that all necessary security steps have been taken and that the team will face no security problems."

``Barring any unforeseen circumstances or changes to this situation, the tour is on.''

South Africa is due to play a triangular one-day tournament which also includes World Cup runner-up India, and two Tests against Bangladesh. — Reuters

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