New Zealand was to tour Bangladesh in August-September to play a two-match Test series, as part of World Test Championship has been indefinitely postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.
“In the present COVID-19 pandemic scenario, hosting a full cricket series in August 2020 will be a challenge in terms of preparations and we cannot take chances with the safety and health of players, support staff and related stakeholders,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury as saying.
Bangladesh has so far reported over one lakh coronavirus cases with over 1,500 deaths. Three Bangladesh cricketer, Mashrafe Mortaza, Nazmul Islam and Nafees Iqbal have tested positive for the COVID-19.
“Under these circumstances, the BCB and NZC have felt that the best way forward would be to defer the series. We realise that this will be hugely disappointing for the players and officials of both teams, not to mention the fans of the two nations but I must thank NZC for its understanding and for recognising the rationale behind such a decision,” Chowdhury said.
