5 Jan 2016

Australia withdraws from U-19 Bangladesh World Cup

10:19 pm on 5 January 2016

Australia have withdrawn from the under-19 cricket World Cup in Bangladesh later this month because of concerns over the "safety and security" of the squad, but New Zealand will be going.

Australia postponed a test tour of Bangladesh in October for similar reasons and Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said the situation had not improved.

Cricket Australia's head of security Sean Carroll travelled to Dhaka last week with International Cricket Council security advisors.

They also sought advice from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials in Bangladesh.

Cricket Australia said there was reliable information suggesting there was a high threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh.

The dependants of diplomatic staff in Bangladesh were to return home to Australia.

New Zealand cricket has confirmed that the Under-19 World Cup team will still attend the tournament.

The squad is due fly out out from Auckland airport tomorrow evening.